Dwarf mouse-ear
Cerastium pumilum · Caryophyllaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dwarf mouse-ear: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 4-6 inches tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-4°F)
- Origin
- Mediterranean and central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, poor to moderate
Care
Light Exposure
This little plant prefers full sun for generous, compact flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Set it in a bright, airy location.
Watering
Water regularly during spring growth, without excess. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid stagnant moisture. Reduce watering in summer once flowering is done.
Soil
Dwarf chickweed dreads heavy, wet soils. Choose a light, well-drained substrate, even rocky. Adding gravel or coarse sand noticeably improves drainage.
Pruning
Remove spent flowers to extend blooming and maintain compact shape. After flowering, you can cut back the clump slightly to encourage branching next year.
Fertilizer
This hardy plant thrives in poor soils and doesn't need regular feeding. A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is plenty if the soil is very depleted.
Diseases and Pests
Dwarf chickweed is generally resistant if drainage is correct. Powdery mildew and root rot can occur with excessive moisture. Avoid watering late in the day and ensure good air circulation.
Did you know?
The Cerastium genus, which includes dwarf chickweed, takes its name from the Greek "keras" (horn), referring to the elongated shape of its seed capsules. This little alpine plant was long prized by botanists for its remarkable adaptation to rocky, arid terrain in Mediterranean regions.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Smooth rupturewortHerniaria glabra
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- Snow-in-summerCerastium tomentosum
- Sticky CatchflyViscaria vulgaris
- Creeping baby's breathGypsophila repens
- Mountain sandwortArenaria montana
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.