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Snow-in-Summer Wikimedia Commons
Caryophyllaceae

Snow-in-Summer

Cerastium tomentosum

Cascading abundance.

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Genus
Cerastium
Native to
Italy, Sicily, Southern Europe
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
perennial herb
Height
0.3-0.8 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
dry, well-drained, poor to average
Water
low
Hardiness
3-7
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • When in bloom, snow-in-summer creates such a dense white carpet of flowers that it truly resembles a snowfall.
  • The silvery-gray, woolly foliage is ornamental year-round, making it one of the best ground covers for full sun.
  • It is an aggressive spreader and has become invasive in parts of North America and New Zealand.
  • The woolly coating on the leaves reduces water loss and reflects intense sunlight, adaptations for harsh rocky habitats.
  • In its native southern Italy, it grows on rocky slopes and cliff faces where it forms cascading mats.

Color meanings

0

abundance

1

innocence

2

summer beauty

Uses

  • ground cover
  • rockery
  • wall planting