About

Cerastium tomentosum is a robust perennial that grows up to 15 cm tall, forming a dense mat. Its narrow leaves are covered in fine white hairs, and during late spring and summer, it produces 2 cm wide white flowers featuring notched petals.

About the genus

Cerastium includes both annual species and perennial forms that grow in mats. The leaves are simple, and the plants produce white flowers with five petals arranged in a star shape.

Growing conditions

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

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial, Bedding
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Gravel garden
Native to
Europe & W As. (mts)

Care notes

Cultivation
Ideal plant for carpeting dry, sunny banks or gravel gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or stem tip cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free