IBERIS SEMPERFLORENS L. AN ATTRACTIVE ITALIAN ENDEMIC SHRUB WITH HIGH POTENTIAL AS FLOWERING POTTED PLANT

The genus Iberis comprises annual and perennial species occurring in a variety of habitats. Iberis semperflorens L. is an evergreen subshrub (30-60 cm), endemic to southern Italy and Sicily. The species naturally grows along the coastal areas of Sicily in dry calcareous soils and in partially shaded calcareous rock crevices where it is easily distinguishable by its white fragrant appealing inflorescences flowering from October-November to April. Seeds and cuttings of naturally growing I. semperflorens plants were collected during field trips over 2 years to the northern coast of Sicily. Several accessions were propagated, established and evaluated for desirable characteristics. Plant phenology was studied to verify its suitability as flowering potted plant. Plants derived from cuttings flowered earlier than those from seeds. The number of inflorescences per plant, leaf and flower size, dates of anthesis of the first flower and senescence of the last flower were recorded. Substantial genetic variation in the date and duration of flowering were found. The results showed a good adaptation of I. semperflorens to pot cultivation and also suggested that the physiology of the plant and its morphological characteristics may establish it as an attractive plant with a place in the ornamental Italian market.