Overview
Cerastium alpinum is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Cerastium, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cerastium alpinum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include gravel garden, flower borders and beds, ground cover and banks and slopes.
About
Cerastium alpinum, commonly called alpine mouse-ear or alpine chickweed, is a mat-forming perennial plant. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It is native to Greenland, Canada and northern Europe. It is grown as a rock garden subject for its many small white flowers and silver haired stems and foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for gravel garden, flower borders and beds, ground cover and banks and slopes. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cerastium alpinum
About the genus
Cerastium is a genus of annual, winter annual, or perennial flowering plants belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. They are commonly called mouse-ears or mouse-ear chickweeds. There are 214 accepted species, found nearly worldwide but with the greatest concentration in the northern temperate regions.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cerastium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cerastium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cerastium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cerastium alpinum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cerastium alpinum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Stem tip cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cerastium alpinum?
Cerastium alpinum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cerastium alpinum need?
Cerastium alpinum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cerastium alpinum hardy in the UK?
Cerastium alpinum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cerastium alpinum?
Seed, Division, Stem tip cuttings.