Snow in Summer (Cerastium Tomentosum)
Snow in Summer will transform your garden with low-maintenance beauty. This drought-tolerant perennial forms a dense carpet of silvery-gray foliage, topped with masses of starry white flowers in late spring to early summer. Ideal for edging, rock gardens, or as a groundcover to suppress weeds, it thrives in poor soils and full sun.
Planting Tips - Snow in Summer
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Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure
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Water lightly until established, highly drought tolerant thereafter
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Shear back after flowering to encourage a tidy appearance
Applications in the Garden
- Edge garden beds, walkways, or driveways for a refined, low-maintenance border
- Plant on slopes or hillsides where its dense growth helps control erosion and adds year-round texture
- Cascade over rock walls or spill between stepping-stones for a natural, flowing look
- Pair with bold, upright perennials like coneflowers, poppies, or ornamental grasses to contrast its fine, silvery foliage
- Use in rock gardens, xeriscapes, or gravel beds where drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants thrive
FAQ - Snow in Summer
1. Is Snow in Summer invasive?
Snow in Summer spreads quickly and can naturalize in garden beds. While it is not considered invasive in most regions, it may require edging or regular trimming to keep it within boundaries.
2. What is the best location for planting Snow in Summer?
Plant Snow in Summer in full sun with well-drained soil. It excels in rock gardens, on slopes, and in areas with poor or sandy soil where other plants struggle.
3. How long does it bloom?
Snow in Summer produces masses of small, white flowers for 2 to 4 weeks in late spring to early summer. Shearing after flowering can help tidy the plant and encourage a second flush of blooms in some climates.
4. Is Snow in Summer suitable for groundcover?
Yes, Snow in Summer is an excellent choice for groundcover. Its dense, silvery foliage forms a low mat that suppresses weeds and provides year-round texture in the landscape.
5. Can it tolerate foot traffic?
Snow in Summer is not suited for areas with heavy foot traffic. While it can grow between stepping stones or along walkways, it may be damaged if walked on regularly.
6. Does this plant attract pollinators?
Yes, the bright white blooms attract bees and other beneficial pollinators during its flowering season, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
7. Is this plant drought tolerant?
Plant Information & Grower Best Practices
| Botanical Name: | Cerastium Tomentosum |
| Variety Name: | Snow In Summer |
| Height: | 6″ |
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-7 |
| Sun or Shade: | Likes full sun, but will also thrive in partial sun in warmer climates |
| Plant Classification: | Perennial |
| Planting Season: | Spring or Fall |
| Bloom Season: | Spring – Summer |
| Bloom Cycle: | Only blooms once |
| Bloom Duration: | 4 weeks |
| Planting Depth: | 2″-3″ |
| Soil Requirements: | Dry, sandy, well-draining soil, neutral to alkaline |
| Water Requirements: | Low to average |
Troubleshooting
- Problem: Sparse or patchy growth
- Cause: Overly rich or poorly drained soil
- Solution: Reduce watering schedule, improve drainage or relocate to a sunnier, drier spot
- Problem: Yellowing foliage
- Cause: Often due to excess moisture
- Solution: Reduce watering and amend soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage
- Problem: Invasive spreading
- Cause: This eager plant can creep beyond its intended area over time
- Solution: Trim back after flowering and use edging to keep it contained
- Problem: Reduced flowering
- Cause: Most often the result of too much shade
- Solution: Move plants to a sunnier location or thin nearby vegetation to allow more light