Overview
Cerastium arvense is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Cerastium, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cerastium arvense 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 arvense is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names field mouse-ear and field chickweed. It is a widespread species, occurring throughout Europe and North America, as well as parts of South America. It is a variable species. There are several subspecies, but the number and defining characteristics are disputed. 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 arvense
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 arvense 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 arvense
- 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 arvense?
Cerastium arvense prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cerastium arvense need?
Cerastium arvense 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 arvense hardy in the UK?
Cerastium arvense 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 arvense?
Seed, Division, Stem tip cuttings.