Snow-in-summer is a ground cover that provides both flowers and interesting silvery foliage once the flowers have faded. It is a good ground cover for dry, sunny areas.
More Information
Size and Method of Spreading
Snow-in-summer is a colonizing ground cover that grows up to 6 inches high, but when in full flower may reach up to 10 inches. Colonizing ground covers produce underground stems that spread out horizontally and shallowly, produce roots, and then send up new shoots. Snow-in-summer is generally easy to manage, although some colonizers can be strong growers and have the potential to grow aggressively.
Native Geographic Location and Habitat
Snow-in-summer is native to Europe.
Leaf Description
The small, opposite leaves are narrow and are densely covered with white hairs, which gives them a silvery appearance.
Flower Description
Small, white flowers with notched petals are produced on upright stems in late spring.
Fruit Description
The fruit are small, dry capsules and not ornamentally important.
Care Knowledge
Plant Care
Snow-in-summer needs full sun and good drainage. It does well in low fertility, dry, or shallow, rocky soil. When flowering ends, use a string trimmer to remove the spent flowers for a tidier look. In very humid conditions, the foliage may decline. Trimming the foliage back will encourage new growth.
List of Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances
This ground cover is resistant to drought and not favored by deer.
Cultivars
Silver Carpet snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum ‘Silberteppich’)
This cultivar is more compact and spreads more slowly.
Yo Yo snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum ‘YoYo’)
This slower spreading cultivar produces abundant flowers and is more compact.
