Snow-in-Summer

cerastium tomentosum

Also known as: ["Silver Carpet","Mossy Snow-in-Summer"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Cerastium Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with silvery-gray foliage and star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Cerastium
Botanical Name: Cerastium tomentosum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover in sunny areas
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to maintain appearance.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; prioritize well-drained conditions.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; stop feeding in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F/18–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss mix).

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or shear lightly; remove dead or leggy stems.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove spent flowers.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out roots; place in a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings; increase frequency in extreme heat or drought.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may become discolored or brittle; growth slows or halts in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; mulch around roots; move potted plants to sheltered areas.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may decline in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter feeding.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Cerastium tomentosum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Cerastium tomentosum can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Cerastium tomentosum are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Cerastium tomentosum if the soil is poorly drained or excessively moist, causing decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cerastium tomentosum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of any plant material should be monitored, and excessive consumption should be avoided.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Cerastium tomentosum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of any plant material should be monitored, and excessive consumption should be avoided.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cerastium tomentosum, commonly known as snow-in-summer, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of any plant material should be avoided unless it is confirmed to be edible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Cerastium tomentosum be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering, especially once established.

Q: Does Snow-in-Summer attract pollinators?

A: Yes, its white flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Q: Can Cerastium tomentosum be grown in containers?

A: While it can be grown in containers, it is best suited for ground cover in garden beds due to its spreading habit.

Quick Reference
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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