Snow-in-summer
Cerastium tomentosum · Caryophyllaceae
📷 No machine-readable author provided. Heron2 assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant snow-in-summer: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Snow-in-summer, woolly cerastium
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Form
- Herbaceous ground cover
- Foliage
- Evergreen, silvery-gray
- Blooming
- April to June, white flowers
- Mature size
- 15 cm tall, spreading habit
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Italy (Mediterranean region)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cerastium tomentosum thrives in well-drained rockeries or dry borders: once established, it needs very little watering in summer. Cut back hard after flowering (June) to stop it becoming invasive and bald in the center.
The common mistake
Watering it regularly: it gradually deteriorates.
The pro's trick
Sow directly onto coarse sand in April: it germinates in 2 weeks and spreads quickly.
Care
Sunlight
Snow-in-summer demands full sun exposure to thrive. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is necessary to maintain its compact structure and promote beautiful blooming. In shade, it becomes leggy and less vigorous.
Watering
This plant tolerates drought very well once established. Water moderately when planting, then gradually reduce. During active growth (spring), occasional watering is sufficient. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes rot.
Soil
Snow-in-summer prefers well-drained, poor to average soil, and slightly alkaline conditions. Improve drainage by adding gravel or sand if your soil is heavy or clayey. Lean soil works perfectly and encourages more compact growth.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove faded flowers after blooming to stimulate reblooming and maintain a neat shape. You can prune lightly in late summer to rejuvenate the foliage. Remove any dead wood or damaged sections in late winter.
Fertilizer
This undemanding plant doesn't need regular fertilizing. A very modest application in spring is enough if the soil is particularly poor. Too much fertilizer makes the plant soft and disease-prone: keep nutrition minimal.
Diseases and pests
Snow-in-summer is generally very resistant. Excess moisture can promote damping-off or root rot: ensure good drainage. Occasionally inspect for spider mites or aphids in hot, dry climates.
Did you know?
The name "tomentosum" refers to the fine white-gray fuzz covering all the aerial parts of this plant, giving it a very distinctive velvety appearance. This hairiness is a botanical adaptation that reduces evaporation and protects the plant from intense UV rays of the Mediterranean climate. Historically, it was called "mouse ears" or "white cloth" because of its very fuzzy and atypical foliage.
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.