Botanical Name: Iberis sempervirens ‘Candy Sorbet’

Common Name: Candytuft

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 3–9

Size: 6–10" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Mounded, Dense Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best Bloom in Full Sun)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Sandy or Rocky Conditions

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Early Spring

Fertilizer: Minimal; Light Feeding in Early Spring if Needed

Features: Blush-to-White Flowers, Evergreen Foliage, Deer Resistant, Early Blooming

Uses: Borders, Edging, Rock Gardens, Containers, Groundcover

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Candytuft Growth & Care Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Iberis ‘Candy Sorbet’

Iberis ‘Candy Sorbet’ is a modern candytuft selection that brings a softer, more decorative look to early spring landscapes. Its blooms open in gentle blush-pink tones before gradually fading to creamy white, creating a layered, two-tone effect that adds depth and movement not typically found in traditional candytuft varieties. The flowers form dense clusters above compact, evergreen foliage, giving the plant strong visual interest during peak bloom.

This variety maintains a low, mounded habit that spreads evenly without becoming aggressive, making it well suited for borders, edging, containers, and rock gardens. Like other candytufts, ‘Candy Sorbet’ prefers full sun and well-drained soil and performs especially well in lean or rocky conditions. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance while still delivering reliable early-season color and clean structure.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Iberis ‘Candy Sorbet’ stood out for its consistent color transition and refined growth habit. The blush tones remained soft and attractive rather than muddy or uneven, and the gradual fade to white created a natural, intentional look as the bloom period progressed. Plants stayed compact and well-branched, holding their shape without opening up or becoming leggy.

We were particularly impressed with how well ‘Candy Sorbet’ integrated into mixed plantings. While it doesn’t overwhelm the landscape with sheer flower density like some white varieties, it adds subtle color variation that enhances nearby plants. We especially like it for gardeners who want a classic spring groundcover with a more nuanced, contemporary color palette and dependable, low-maintenance performance.

Candy Sorbet vs. Other Candytuft Varieties

Iberis ‘Candy Sorbet’ stands apart as the most decorative and distinctive variety in this comparison. Its blush-pink buds that fade to soft white create a layered, pastel effect that adds depth and movement to early spring plantings. This subtle color transition gives it a more ornamental, almost floral-design quality compared to traditional white candytufts.

Compared to Iberis ‘Purity’’, Candy Sorbet feels softer and more expressive, trading crisp uniformity for gentle color variation. Against ‘Snow Flurries’, it offers refinement rather than intensity, with fewer blooms overall but greater visual nuance. Where Snow Flurries dominates a space, Candy Sorbet complements and softens it, making it ideal for mixed borders and containers. Gardeners choose Candy Sorbet when they want classic candytuft form with a fresh, modern twist.