About

Arenaria montana is a low-growing evergreen perennial that creates a loose mat extending up to 30 cm wide. It features small, elliptic leaves with a deep green hue. Erect stems can reach heights of about 10 cm, each adorned with several pure white flowers measuring 1.5 to 2 cm across, which bloom in early summer.

About the genus

Arenaria includes both annuals and typically mat-forming perennials, which may be evergreen or herbaceous. They are characterized by their small leaves and produce white flowers with five petals.

Growing conditions

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

Plant type
Alpine Rockery
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native to
SW Europe, Morocco

Care notes

Cultivation
Easily grown in rock garden or in a crevices in a wall or paving. Grows best on poor sandy soils
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or basal cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free