candytuft

[ kan-dee-tuhft ]

noun

1. a plant of the genus Iberis, of the mustard family, especially I. umbellata, an ornamental plant with tufted pink, violet, purple, or red flowers, originally from the island of Crete.

candytuft

/ ˈkændɪˌtʌft /

noun

1. either of two species of Iberis grown as annual garden plants for their umbels ("tufts") of white, red, or purplish flowers See iberis

Word History and Origins

Origin of candytuft¹

1570–80; Candy (variant of Candia ) + tuft

Word History and Origins

Origin of candytuft¹

C17: from Candy, obsolete variant of Candia (Crete) + tuft

Example Sentences

Among flower seeds, the shortest-lived are delphinium, aster, candytuft and phlox.

From Seattle Times

Countless vases sit on every surface, holding snow-season flowers—tangerine calendulas and creamy candytufts and crimson cyclamens.

From Literature

For a more informal assembly, use rounds of white birch bark to cover pots of candytuft, Christmas rose, and crocus.

From Southern Living

Sow seeds of sweet alyssum, candytuft, daisies, mignonette, pansies, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Daffodils and jonquils were used for the yolk, while lilies, candytuft, and other white flowers were freely used.

From Project Gutenberg