Troubleshooting
Wulfen's Alyssum problems — and how to fix them
Wulfen's Alyssum (Alyssum wulfenianum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Winter wet rot
The most serious risk. Excess moisture in winter will rot the crown and roots rapidly. Grow in an alpine house or under a glass pane from autumn to spring, or site in a raised scree bed with perfect drainage.
Failure to flower
Usually due to insufficient sunlight or excessive feeding. Ensure full sun exposure and withhold all but the lightest spring feed. Young plants may take 1–2 years to reach flowering maturity.
Flea beetle holes in leaves
Brassicaceae family members are susceptible to flea beetle. Small shot-holes appear in leaves during warm dry spells. Damage rarely threatens established plants; use sticky yellow traps or fine mesh covers to reduce numbers.
Prevent wulfen's alyssum problems before they start
Most wulfen's alyssum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Wulfen's Alyssum problems — FAQ
Why is my wulfen's alyssum winter wet rot?
The most serious risk. Excess moisture in winter will rot the crown and roots rapidly. Grow in an alpine house or under a glass pane from autumn to spring, or site in a raised scree bed with perfect drainage.
Why is my wulfen's alyssum failure to flower?
Usually due to insufficient sunlight or excessive feeding. Ensure full sun exposure and withhold all but the lightest spring feed. Young plants may take 1–2 years to reach flowering maturity.
Why is my wulfen's alyssum flea beetle holes in leaves?
Brassicaceae family members are susceptible to flea beetle. Small shot-holes appear in leaves during warm dry spells. Damage rarely threatens established plants; use sticky yellow traps or fine mesh covers to reduce numbers.