

Category:
Home-grown
Silver-leaved ground cover with abundant white flowers, very hardy and perfect for rock gardens, borders and low-maintenance dry areas.
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Our experts say
The Cerastium tomentosum, known as cerastium or summer snow, is one of the most rewarding ground cover plants for Mediterranean and low-maintenance gardens. It forms a dense carpet of small silvery, velvety leaves that bring light and texture even when not in flower. In spring and early summer it is covered in abundant white flowers, creating that “blanket” effect that gives it its name.
It is perfect for rock gardens, borders, slopes and stone joints, where it spills naturally and helps soften hard lines. It adapts very well to Ibiza's conditions: sun, heat, poor soils and periods of drought. Once established, its water needs are low and its growth is fast, making it ideal for covering areas where it is difficult to maintain lawn or other herbaceous plants.
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Benefits
Ideal groundcover for dry gardens and low-maintenance areas.
Adds silvery contrast and texture all year round.
Very abundant white flowering with a “snow” effect in spring/summer.
Very useful for rock gardens, slopes and borders, and for spilling over walls or planters.
Helps to cover the soil, reducing evaporation and the appearance of self-seeded weeds.
Good tolerance to heat, wind and drought once established.
Attracts pollinators during flowering.
Special care
Needs full sun to stay compact, silvery and produce abundant flowering.
Essential very free-draining substrate: in heavy soils, it is advisable to mix in sand or gravel.
Low watering once established; in pots, water only when the substrate is dry.
Avoid waterlogging: this is what weakens it most (risk of rot).
After flowering, trim lightly (or pinch out) to keep it compact, renew the foliage and prevent it from opening up.
If it becomes leggy or bare in the middle, it can be rejuvenated with a harder prune.
In pots, use a container with good drainage and sandy substrate; it is better if it does not remain pressed against damp walls.
It may self-seed or spread: if you want to control it, define the edge with regular pruning.


