How to Grow and Care for Snow in Summer
Perennial, Cerastium
Snow in Summer really puts on a display. They are a favorite for rock gardens.
Small plants grow just six to eight inches. But, they certainly are attractive.
It's silvery gray leaves, give way to a profusion of white blooms in late
spring to early summer.
Snow-In-Summer has wooly, silvery gray-green leaves. It's attractive, even
when not in bloom. This native of Italy, produces mounds of flowers in May-June.
The profusion of white booms mounded atop the plant, gives it it's name.
Other Names: Snow-in-Summer is also known as Cerastium, Mouse Ear,
Chickweed, and Silver Carpet.
Snow In Summer is common in rock gardens, and as a ground cover. Many people
also use it as border edgings, or along sidewalks. Because it can be
invasive, you may have to control the spread of this plant, if you grow it
in your flower garden along with other flowers. These small plant look their
best in the front of the flower garden.
Plant Propagation:
Snow-In-Summer are grown from seeds. They can be directly seeded into your
flower garden, or seeded indoors for transplanting later. Sow seeds early
in the season and cover lightly with 1/8" of fine garden or seed starting
soil.
Seeds have a long germination period, requiring two to three weeks.
For indoor starts, try a seedling
germination mat.
Established plants can be propagated by plant division or from cuttings in
the spring.
Ideal plant spacing is 12" -24". Snow in Summer plants will spread
out to form a loose mat, filling in the space between plants.
How to Grow Snow In Summer:
Snow in Summer plants are easy to grow. Grow Snow in Summer in full sun.
Plants will tolerate a light or partial shade. They prefer rich, loose soil
that drains well. Keep soil moist during germination.
Snow in Summer is drought and heat tolerant plant. It prefers slightly dry
soil. Water only during the hottest, driest period of summer. Add a general
purpose, high nitrogen fertilizer when first planting, to help them to get
a good start. Add a high Phosphorous fertilizer just before blooming.
Snow in Summer flowers will bloom in the spring of the second year after
planting, and every year afterward. Prune plant and remove dead flowers after
blooms have died, to give the pant a clean, healthy look, and to promote
new plant growth. With a little care, established plants will thrive for
many years.
Snow In Summer can be an invasive plant..... spreading beyond it's intended
garden space. You may want to contain it's sprawl, by using a border edging
that is dug 3" - 5" below the surface of your soil.
Snow in Summer plants are hardy, and will survive light frosts before going
dormant for the winter months.
Insect and Disease:
Snow in Summer is seldom bothered by insects or disease. Apply insecticide
or fungicide as needed.
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