Little Gem Evergreen Candytuft

Little Gem is a dwarf, evergreen form of Iberis sempervirens grown as a compact groundcover. Oregon State describes it at about 6 × 12 inches and hardy to USDA Zone 4, while a nursery profile gives 6–8 inches tall by 18 inches wide and Zones 4–9; these are useful size and hardiness ranges, not fixed outcomes. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/iberis-sempervirens-little-gem) [Rare Roots](https://www.rareroots.com/products/iberis-sempervirens-little-gem-candytuft) ## Landscape Use Bright white flowers appear in mid to late spring; the nursery lists May through June bloom and a low, mounding habit. The profile recommends full sun to light shade, with some afternoon shade in hot climates. It also describes the plant as tolerant of coastal conditions and drought, and lists butterflies as visitors and deer resistance. [Rare Roots](https://www.rareroots.com/products/iberis-sempervirens-little-gem-candytuft) ## Growing Conditions Choose well-drained soil; the named-selection profile prefers alkaline soil and says the plant resents wet feet. At the species level, NC State describes a preference for moist to slightly dry, well-drained soil with neutral-to-alkaline conditions, so avoid keeping the root zone consistently wet. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iberis-sempervirens/) ## Maintenance Shear lightly after flowering to stimulate growth. NC State recommends cutting back the species by about one-third after bloom, and the nursery advises a harder post-flowering prune if stems become woody; use light pruning for routine shaping. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/iberis-sempervirens-little-gem) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iberis-sempervirens/) [Rare Roots](https://www.rareroots.com/products/iberis-sempervirens-little-gem-candytuft)