Snow in Summer

Cerastium tomentosum

ser-ASS-tee-um toe-men-TOE-sum

Perennials: Creeping Creeper

Silver Carpet, Mouse Ear, Chickweed

Zone
3: -40° to -30°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°

A very useful groundcover perennial, often grown in dry, sunny areas with poor soil. Plants form a low, fast-spreading mat of silvery-grey leaves, studded with tiny white star flowers in late spring and early summer. An indestructible choice for difficult sites, but be sure to plant this where its spreading habit will not become a problem. Beautiful spilling over rock walls or on steep sunny slopes, used as a lawn substitute. Also grows well in tubs or mixed containers. Easily divided in spring or fall. Plants should be clipped hard or mowed (to 2 inches) after blooming to maintain a tidy habit.

Appearance

Summer Foliage
Silver
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
White
Blooming Time
Late Spring - Early Summer
Habit
Spreading
Height
6–12 in
Spread
12–18 in
Form
Star

Characteristics

Type
Open-Pollinated
Safety
Non-toxic
Growth Rate
Fast
Tolerance/Resistance
Cold Hardy
Attracts
Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators
Uses/Placement
Groundcover

Optimal Growing Conditions

Sun Exposure
Full Sun - Part Sun
Soil Texture
Sandy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Average to Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Alkaline: 7.0-7.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly alkaline soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Light Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Seasonal Feeding
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial

Care

Care Level
Very Low

Behavior and Propagation

Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring or Fall Division