How to Grow Snow-in-Summer
Wikimedia Commons
Snow-in-Summer
Cerastium tomentosum
flowerSnow-in-Summer is a low-growing, spreading groundcover with silvery-gray foliage and delicate white flowers that blanket the plant in early summer. This hardy perennial is valued for its attractive foliage year-round and its ability to thrive in poor soils and difficult growing conditions. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and erosion control on slopes.
When should you plant Snow-in-Summer in your zone?
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Example Snow-in-Summer timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant 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 Snow-in-Summer blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Snow-in-Summer dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9, with best performance in cooler zones 3-7
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Get my Snow-in-Summer timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-4 weeksTiny fuzzy gray leaves emerge; plants are delicate and slow-growing
Keep soil barely moist, not wet. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksSilvery-gray mounding foliage develops; plant spreads horizontally via trailing stems
Water sparingly; encourage spreading by allowing stems to root where they touch soil. No fertilizer needed.
Post-Bloom/Foliage Focus
Remainder of growing seasonFlowers fade but attractive gray foliage remains prominent; plant continues spreading
Cut back by half after flowering to encourage fuller, tidier growth and prevent legginess. Foliage remains attractive year-round.
Dormancy
4-6 monthsIn cooler zones, foliage may take on reddish tones but persists; plant is semi-evergreen
Minimal care needed. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent winter rot. No watering necessary except in prolonged drought.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe. Ensure good air circulation.
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Improve air circulation, reduce overhead watering, apply fungicide if necessary. Usually not a serious problem.
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Prevent through excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering. Remove affected plants if rot occurs.
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and
Less common due to fuzzy foliage, but handpick if seen. Use slug barriers or baits if necessary.
Uses
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeThe abundant white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for pollinator gardens and supporting ecosystem health. [source]
Groundcover and erosion control
HouseholdIts spreading mat-forming habit makes it ideal for covering bare ground, controlling weeds, and stabilizing slopes without requiring mowing. [source]
Cut flowers and dried arrangements
CraftThe delicate white flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements or dried for long-lasting dried bouquets and decorative crafts. [source]
Low-maintenance landscaping
HouseholdThrives in poor soils, requires minimal water and fertilizer once established, and survives harsh conditions where other plants fail. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional medicine for wounds and respiratory conditions, though modern evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested. Enjoy flowers in place. Cut back by half after peak bloom (mid-summer) to maintain neat appearance and encourage denser growth. Can be sheared anytime during growing season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Snow-in-Summer earns its name from the stunning effect of thousands of small white flowers completely covering the silvery foliage in late spring and early summer, creating the appearance of snow on the plant.
- 🌱 The plant's fuzzy, silver-gray leaves contain fine hairs that help it reflect sunlight and reduce water loss, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant and heat-resistant.
- 🌱 Snow-in-Summer can become invasive in some regions due to its vigorous spreading habit and ability to self-seed; regular deadheading and cutting back help keep it under control.
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