Cerastium tomentosum – Snow in Summer
Profusion of star-like white flowers above low growing silvery-grey foliage.
Habit:
This is a low growing, evergreen spreading perennial, flowering in spring. This is a popular ornamental plant worldwide; spreading easily, but not invasively, through its rhizomes. It grows to a height of about 20cm. Its leaves are “tomentose”, meaning covered in a layer of matted woolly down. This is a tough, reliable plant that effectively suppresses weeds.
Origins:
C. tomentosum is native to alpine regions from Southern Italy across to the Caucasus. It has naturalised widely in Europe and North America. Botanically it is in the Pink or Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Other plants in this family are the Chickweeds, which are common weeds in agricultural land and disturbed waste ground.
Soil / Aspect:
C. tomentosum likes well drained, poor soil, rich in gravel, and a sunny place. It is frost hardy. It can be used on banks and stone walls to give a cascading effect.
Maintenance:
There are usually no pest or disease problems. Plants should be clipped hard, or or even mowed, after blooming to maintain a tidy habit. This is an undemanding plant.