Overview
Minuartia verna is a plant with a creeping, mat-forming habit in the genus Minuartia, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen, linear leaves foliage. Minuartia verna grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ground cover, rock gardens and alpine beds.
About
It was first described as Arenaria verna by Carl Linnaeus in 1767 and is known by several synonyms including Minuartia verna. Sabulina verna is a scarce species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, known by the common names spring sandwort, leadwort, golden moss, or Irish moss. It is a small mat-forming, perennial herb. The small (7–9 mm across), 5-petalled flowers appear on short, downy stems from spring until late summer. It is native to CH, DE, FR, NO and Vermont-US. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include ground cover, rock gardens and alpine beds. It tolerates neutral and alkaline soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sabulina verna
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Minuartia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Minuartia verna size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Creeping, Mat-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Linear leaves
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Rock gardens, Alpine beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Minuartia verna
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to common pests
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to common diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Minuartia verna?
Minuartia verna prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Minuartia verna need?
Minuartia verna is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Minuartia verna hardy in the UK?
Minuartia verna 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 Minuartia verna?
Seed, Division.
More in the Minuartia genus
- Minuartia
- Minuartia cherlerioides
- Minuartia smejkalii
- Minuartia strictaTeesdale sandwort
- Minuartia inamoena