Arctic pearlwort
Sagina saginoides · Caryophyllaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant arctic pearlwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Alpine Pearlwort
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Plant type
- Alpine herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 5 to 10 cm in height
- Foliage
- Evergreen, very fine and thread-like
- Flowering
- June to August, small white flowers
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Mountains of central and northern Europe
Care
Exposure
Alpine pearlwort prefers full sun to partial shade. It tolerates cold and windy mountain areas well. Place it in a rock garden or on a slope facing north or east for optimal growth.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, as this plant fears excess moisture. In mountains or cold climates, rainwater is usually sufficient. Let it dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Soil
Alpine pearlwort requires very well-draining, light and poor soil. Enrich the substrate with coarse sand and mineral gravel. It thrives in rocky or stony terrain, or in pots with a specific alpine plant mix.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary: this small herbaceous plant is grown for its naturally compact and branched habit. Simply remove any dry or diseased parts in late winter to encourage spring growth.
Fertilizing
Alpine pearlwort requires virtually no fertilizer, as it naturally grows in poor soil. A very light application of diluted fertilizer in spring is enough if the soil becomes depleted after several years of cultivation.
Prevention and problems
This alpine plant is very resistant to pests and diseases. The main risk is rot from stagnant moisture. Ensure impeccable drainage and avoid excessive watering in autumn and winter.
Did you know?
Alpine pearlwort is such a discreet micro-herb that it goes unnoticed in the rocky scree of high peaks. Its scientific name, Sagina, comes from the Latin "sagina" (fattening), though it is quite the opposite—extremely frugal. It makes an excellent ground cover for rockeries and alpine gardens, where its delicate presence restores the wild atmosphere of the mountains.
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
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- Rock soapwortSaponaria ocymoides
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- Sticky CatchflyViscaria vulgaris
- Creeping baby's breathGypsophila repens
- Mountain sandwortArenaria montana
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.