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.

About the genus

Arenaria is a genus of flowering plants, within the family Caryophyllaceae. Most species are annual or perennial herbaceous plants, though a small number are spiny subshrubs; many grow in tufts or mats.

Wikipedia contributors, "Arenaria (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arenaria (plant)

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