Overview
Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' is a matforming perennial in the genus Cerastium, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, rock garden and border edging. It is native to southern Europe.
About
Cerastium tomentosum (snow-in-summer) is an herbaceous flowering plant and a member of the family Caryophyllaceae. It is generally distinguished from other species of its genus by "tomentose" or felty foliage.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cerastium tomentosum
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
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- open
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, rock garden, border edging
- Native to
- southern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- division, cuttings, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet'?
Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' prefers full sun. It suits open positions.
What soil does Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' need?
Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet'?
Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Is Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' hardy in the UK?
Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet'?
Division, cuttings, seed.
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