Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

Snow-in-Summer

Cerastium tomentosum

Dense silver foliage carpets ground like winter snow. Low-growing perennial groundcover; common name: Snow-in-Summer.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Thrives in full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
💧
Watering Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained substrates
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to -15°C; tolerates cool to warm temperate conditions, avoid prolonged heat above 30°C
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Silvery-gray, woolly, linear to lanceolate leaves arranged oppositely along trailing stems
  • Flower: Small, star-shaped white flowers with five notched petals, clustered at stem tips
  • Stem: Trailing, hairy stems that root at nodes to form dense, spreading mats
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth and flowering

Fertilization

Light, balanced diluted feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to prioritize flower production over foliage spread

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly over soil surface every 3 months to boost soil structure without introducing odors or pests
Pruning
  • Shear back spent flower stems by half after blooming to encourage compact, dense growth
  • Remove dead or yellowed foliage in early spring to promote new growth
  • Thin overcrowded mats to improve airflow and reduce risk of fungal disease
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no toxicity risks reported

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover, rock garden plant, slope erosion control, border edging