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Mouse-ear chickweed

Cerastium fontanum · Caryophyllaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant mouse-ear chickweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Evergreen to semi-evergreen
Flowering
April to June (white)
Adult size
15–30 cm in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (–20 °C)
Origin
Temperate and central Europe
Soil type
Well-drained, heavy substrate tolerated

Care

Watering

Water moderately during the growing season, keeping the soil slightly moist. Reduce watering in winter. Once established, this plant tolerates dry periods well. Avoid standing water, which causes rot.

Exposure

Place your mouse-ear chickweed in full sun or partial shade. Good light promotes abundant, compact flowering. In dense shade, the plant will become leggy and flower less.

Pruning and cutting

Pinch young shoots regularly to encourage branching and a bushy shape. After flowering, cut back lightly to tidy the plant and stimulate potential reflowering. Remove bare or dead stems.

Soil

Mouse-ear chickweed adapts to many soil types, from sandy to clay. The key is ensuring adequate drainage. A light addition of compost at planting is sufficient.

Fertilizer

A balanced fertilizer application in spring is more than enough. This hardy plant is not demanding. In poor soil, enrich moderately with decomposed compost rather than concentrated chemical fertilizer.

Diseases and pests

Mouse-ear chickweed is generally very robust. Watch for powdery mildew in excessively humid conditions and stagnant air. Root rot occurs mainly in overly wet soil. Improve air circulation at the base and check drainage.

Did you know?

Mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) was once known by this English name because of its small, fuzzy leaves resembling mouse ears. In traditional herbal medicine, various Cerastium species were used for their supposedly astringent and healing properties, though their medicinal use remains marginal and scientifically unvalidated.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.