Overview
Arenaria is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Arenaria, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Arenaria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, gravel garden, ground cover, alpine garden and container planting.
About
Arenaria, commonly known as sandwort or alsine, is a mat-forming evergreen perennial from the Caryophyllaceae family. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand, with a preference for well-drained conditions. Suitable for rock gardens, gravel gardens, alpine gardens, and as ground cover, it is hardy to UK zone H5. Planting is best done after the last frost in fertile soil, and propagation can be achieved through seed, division, or basal cuttings. Its winter interest adds value to garden settings throughout the colder months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Arenaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Arenaria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Gravel garden, Ground cover, Alpine garden, Container planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Arenaria
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Arenaria?
Arenaria prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Arenaria need?
Arenaria is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Arenaria hardy in the UK?
Arenaria has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Arenaria?
Seed, Division, Basal cuttings.
More in the Arenaria genus
- Arenaria leptoclados
- Arenaria pungens
- Arenaria kansuensis
- Arenaria pogonantha
- Arenaria scopolina
- Arenaria triolea
- Arenaria uliginosabog sandwort