Overview

Herniaria ciliolata is a mat-forming, trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Herniaria, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with semi evergreen or evergreen foliage. Herniaria ciliolata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, banks and slopes and ground cover.

About

Herniaria ciliolata, commonly known as fringed rupturewort, is a mat-forming, trailing cultivar within the Herniaria genus. These plants are low-growing with lush, fleshy green leaves that create a dense ground cover, complemented by tiny greenish-yellow flowers that blend with the foliage. It is semi-evergreen or evergreen and thrives in full sun or partial shade on fertile, well-drained soils including loam, sand, and chalk. Suitable for various garden settings such as rock gardens, banks, slopes, and patios, it is hardy to UK zone H7 and flowers in spring and summer.

About the genus

Herniaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae known generally as ruptureworts. They are native to Eurasia and Africa but several species have been widely introduced to other continents. These are flat, mat-forming annual herbs.

Wikipedia contributors, "Herniaria", CC BY-SA 4.0Herniaria

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Herniaria

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Herniaria ciliolata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Mat-forming, Trailing
Foliage
Semi evergreen or Evergreen
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Banks and slopes, Ground cover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Herniaria ciliolata

Propagation
Seed indoors in spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Herniaria ciliolata?

Herniaria ciliolata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Herniaria ciliolata need?

Herniaria ciliolata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Herniaria ciliolata hardy in the UK?

Herniaria ciliolata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Herniaria ciliolata?

Seed indoors in spring or autumn.