Snow in Summer Chickweed - Mouse Ear Cerastium Plant - 4" pot

aka silver carpet, mouse ear, chickweed, Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is a delightful perennial ground cover that adds charm to gardens. Here are some details about this lovely plant:

• Family: Caryophyllaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
• Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 9-12 inches wide
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Loamy, sandy, well-drained
• Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0)
• Bloom Time: June
• Flower Color: White
• Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)
• Native Area: Europe

Description:

• Snow-in-summer gets its name from the profusion of pristine white flowers that resemble a fresh snowfall. However, it’s not just the flowers that make it special—the delicate, woolly, silver leaves create an attractive mat of foliage.
• This groundcover spreads quickly by reseeding and runners, making it an excellent choice for dry, sunny areas. It’s also deer-resistant and often used in rock gardens or to fill pockets in stone walls.
• After the early summer bloom, trim away faded flowers and some foliage to keep the plants looking attractive throughout the season.
• Some cultivars are more compact and less likely to spread uncontrollably.

Growing Tips:

• Light: Snow-in-summer prefers full sun conditions. Avoid shade to prevent fungal issues.
• Water: It thrives in relatively dry conditions and tolerates short periods of drought.
• Propagation: You can grow snow-in-summer from seed. Sow seeds directly into flowerbeds in early spring, and germination should occur in two to three weeks. New plants won’t bloom until their second year.
• Maintenance: Shear flower stems before seeds drop to prevent rampant spreading.
• Salt Tolerance: It performs well along coastal regions, suggesting reasonable salt tolerance.

Remember, this plant’s silvery foliage is just as captivating as its charming flowers. Enjoy your Snow-in-Summer!