Also known as Snow-in-Summer · 146 gardener saves
Cerastium: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Cerastium, the genus most gardeners know as snow-in-summer. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Cerastium varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedSnow-in-Summer
Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet'
#2 most savedSnow-in-summer
Cerastium tomentosum
#3 most savedGreek Snow-in-Summer
Cerastium candidissimum
How to grow Cerastium
What the Cerastium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Cerastium year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Shear back by 1/3 after flowering to tidy foliage and maintain density
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
Do
- Water sparingly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Ensure full sun exposure for at least 6 hours daily 🌞
- Water regularly during dry periods to keep soil moist
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively, as it prefers poor soil
- Refrain from heavy pruning during winter
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Cerastium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or sticky leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
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
- Sow seeds on surface of moist soil in early spring.
- Lightly press seeds into soil and keep moist for germination, which takes 2-3 weeks.
Cerastium questions
How many types of Cerastium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Cerastium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 146 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Cerastium grow in?
Across its varieties, Cerastium covers USDA Zones 4–8. 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. 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.
Keep exploring
Cerastium shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Cerastium in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
