Species

groundcover

Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer

The Story

Plant Bio

Cerastium tomentosum, commonly known as snow-in-summer, is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial. It is prized for its dense, silvery-gray, woolly foliage and profuse, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.

'Silver Carpet' is a popular cultivar valued for its more compact and less aggressive spreading habit than the species. It forms a dense, neat mat of silvery foliage, making it an excellent, well-behaved ground cover for rock gardens, borders, and slopes.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a lush, silvery groundcover that brightens sunny gardens.

Requires minimal watering once established, reducing maintenance.

Supports beneficial insects and prevents soil erosion.

SpeciesCerastium tomentosumSnow-in-summer

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

5 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Italy

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
Mist cuttings lightly until roots develop, about 4 weeks.
Ensure soil remains slightly dry between watering sessions.
Place in full sun for optimal growth.
Use a gentle fertilizer in spring for best results.
Divide plants every 2–3 years to maintain vigor.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly during dry spells 🌱
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Mulch around plants to retain moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t fertilize excessively, as it prefers poor soil
Refrain from heavy pruning during winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver‑foliaged groundcover for sunny bordersVanilla‑scented edging along pathways

Companion Plants

Lavender SedumThyme Japanese Spurge Sedum Acre

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer questions

What zones can Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer grow in?

Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer deer resistant?

Yes — Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer bloom?

Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer need full sun?

Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Silver Carpet Snow-in-Summer handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.