How to Grow Creeping Snow-in-Summer
Creeping Snow-in-Summer
Cerastium tomentosum
flowerA low-growing, mat-forming perennial groundcover with silvery-gray foliage and abundant white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It's prized for its ability to cascade over rock gardens, walls, and borders while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
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Example Creeping Snow-in-Summer timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Creeping Snow-in-Summer
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Creeping Snow-in-Summer blooms
Around Apr 25≈ 8 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Creeping Snow-in-Summer dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Hardy in USDA zones 3-8; thrives in cooler to moderate climates
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with minute gray-green cotyledons; plants remain low and compact
Keep soil lightly moist (not wet) until established. Provide bright light. Avoid overwatering. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksDense, silvery-gray mat develops as plants fill in; foliage thickens but flowers have not yet appeared
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Once rooted, water only during drought. Minimal fertilizer needed; nitrogen-rich fertilizer encourages excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Flowering
6-8 weeks (late May to July)Abundant tiny white star-shaped flowers cover the silvery foliage, creating a shimmering white blanket effect
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and maintain neat appearance. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues on flowers.
Post-Flowering & Summer Dormancy
8-12 weeksFlowers fade and foliage becomes the focal point; growth slows in hot weather. Some dieback may occur in very hot, humid conditions.
Cut back or shear lightly after flowering if desired to rejuvenate plants. Reduce watering significantly in heat. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot during humid periods.
Fall & Winter Dormancy
4-5 monthsFoliage persists as a silver-gray mat; plants enter semi-dormancy in fall and winter, slowing growth significantly
Minimal care needed. Do not overwater. Plants are hardy and require no winter protection in their hardiness zones. Avoid walking on frosted foliage to prevent damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure excellent drainage and air circulation. Avoid overwatering, especially seedlings. Use sterile seed-starting mix. Remove affected seedlings promptly.
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Provide well-draining soil with added sand or perlite. Never overwater. Improve air circulation. Remove and discard severely affected plants.
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Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected foliage. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide in humid conditions if necessary.
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Spray foliage with strong stream of water to dislodge mites. Increase humidity slightly around plants. Use miticide if infestation is severe.
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Remove by hand, especially in moist conditions. Create barriers with coarse sand or gravel. Avoid overwatering which attracts them.
Uses
Floral arrangements & dried bouquets
CraftThe delicate white flowers and silvery foliage can be harvested and used fresh in small arrangements or dried for everlasting bouquets and wreaths. [source]
Groundcover & erosion control
HouseholdThe dense mat effectively covers bare soil, suppresses weeds, and stabilizes slopes on hillsides and rocky areas, reducing erosion and maintenance. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe abundant white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing an early-season nectar source in late spring. [source]
Rock garden & alpine trough feature
HouseholdIdeal for alpine troughs, rock gardens, crevices between stones, and cascading over walls due to its low stature and drought tolerance. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalHistorically used in folk medicine to stop bleeding and promote wound healing; contains compounds with astringent properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental groundcover, not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage prolonged blooming and maintain aesthetic appeal. Cut stems are short-lived in arrangements but can be used fresh in small bouquets or wreaths.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Snow-in-Summer' perfectly describes its appearance—when in full bloom, the white flowers are so abundant they make the foliage nearly invisible, resembling a blanket of snow in the height of summer.
- 🌱 The silvery-gray woolly foliage is an adaptation to intense sunlight and dry conditions; the fine hairs reflect light and reduce water loss through transpiration, making it extremely drought-tolerant.
- 🌱 It can spread vigorously and become invasive in ideal conditions, particularly in cooler regions; some gardeners consider it too aggressive and limit it to contained areas or regularly cut it back to prevent it from overwhelming neighboring plants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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