Also known as Snow-in-Summer · 176 saves
Cerastium
Cerastium, the genus most gardeners know as snow-in-summer. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Cerastium varieties
5 species of Cerastium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cerastium in Sow
Save the Cerastium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cerastium
Whats common across all Cerastium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Cerastium year
- PruneJune and July83% of varieties
Shear back by 1/3 after flowering to tidy foliage and maintain density
- DivideApril, September and October67% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
- Spring CleanupMarch and April67% of varieties
Rake or trim away any dead or matted foliage from winter
- Check for PestsMay and June50% of varieties
Inspect the hairy foliage for aphids and spider mites.
Do
- Water sparingly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Hand-pull unwanted plants early in spring before they set seed.
- Keep the soil consistently moist to support healthy growth.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively, as it prefers poor soil
- Refrain from heavy pruning during winter
- Do not apply heavy fertilizers, as this plant thrives in low-nutrient soils.
What goes wrong with Cerastium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or sticky leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and yellow stippling on the hairy leaves. | Increase local humidity and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. |
| Spider Mites | Fine web silk and speckled leaves during hot, dry periods. | Mist foliage to raise ambient humidity or apply horticultural oil. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Yellowing foliage and collapse of basal stems near soil level. | Improve soil drainage and reduce irrigation immediately. |
| Powdery Mildew | White dusty spots on leaves under high humidity and stagnant air. | Space plants generously to increase air circulation and remove affected foliage. |
Making more Cerastium
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade.
- Replant divisions immediately at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment.
Seed
- Allow the plant to complete its life cycle through early summer.
- Wait for the cylindrical seed capsules to mature and turn brown.
- The capsules rupture naturally, dispersing numerous tiny seeds into the surrounding soil.
- Seeds remain dormant in the soil bank until triggering temperatures arrive in autumn.
Cerastium questions
How many types of Cerastium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Cerastium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 176 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cerastium grow in?
Across its varieties, Cerastium covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cerastium bloom?
Most Cerastium varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cerastium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.