The Charming Snow in the Summer Plant: How to Grow and Care for This Unique Flower

The snow in the summer plant, also known as Cerastium tomentosum or silver carpet, is a beloved flowering perennial known for its profuse white blooms that resemble freshly fallen snow. With its woolly silver foliage and ability to thrive in dry, poor soil, this rugged plant makes an excellent groundcover and adds unique texture to gardens and landscapes.

An Overview of Snow in the Summer

Snow in the summer is a low-growing perennial in the carnation family that originates from Europe. It reaches a mature size of 4 to 12 inches tall and can spread 1 to 2 feet wide when grown in ideal conditions. The notched white flowers bloom profusely in late spring, often completely obscuring the silvery foliage. When not in bloom, the fuzzy gray-green leaves provide year-round interest.

This tough plant succeeds in a wide range of conditions including poor sandy, acidic soil and full sun. It is drought tolerant once established and requires little maintenance. Snow in the summer grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8, thriving in areas with moderate summer temperatures and cool, dry winters. It struggles in hot, humid climates.

While beautiful, snow in the summer can spread aggressively via self-seeding. It also produces above-ground runners that allow it to colonize areas quickly. For this reason, it makes an excellent groundcover but may need containment in smaller spaces. There are a few less invasive cultivars, such as ‘Silver Carpet’ and ‘Yo-Yo’.

Growing Conditions for Snow in the Summer

When growing snow in the summer, focus on providing these simple conditions

• Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sun per day. The plant struggles in too much shade.

• Poor well-draining soil Sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Avoid rich soil and wet feet.

• Moderate temperatures: Snow in the summer thrives in zones 3-8 and cool coastal areas. Avoid hot, humid climates.

• Infrequent watering: Drought tolerant once established. Overwatering encourages disease.

• Good air circulation: Space plants at least 12 inches apart to allow air to circulate. Crowding increases humidity.

• Neutral to acidic soil pH: Ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Alkaline soil will limit growth.

By providing these simple conditions, snow in the summer will flourish with minimal care required. Focus on siting it properly and avoiding overwatering for the best results.

How to Plant Snow in the Summer

Snow in the summer can be planted from nursery starts, divisions, or seeds. Here are some tips for getting it established:

• Spring planting: Plant in early to mid spring after the last frost.

• Space 12+ inches apart: Allow enough room for air circulation between plants.

• Dig hole twice as wide as root ball: Loosen the soil to encourage spreading roots.

• Bury root ball 1 inch below soil surface: Plant crown should sit just below the soil.

• Water thoroughly after planting: Water deeply to saturate the root zone.

• Mulch around plants (optional): Apply a thin layer of compost or gravel to retain moisture.

• Water as needed: Until established, water during drought. Then allow soil to dry out between waterings.

With the right planting techniques, snow in the summer will establish quickly. Proper spacing and infrequent watering are key to keeping it looking its best.

Growing Snow in the Summer in Containers

The trailing habit of snow in the summer makes it a great option for containers. Follow these tips for growing it in pots:

• Choose a pot at least 12″ wide: Select a container with drainage holes that provides enough room for growth.

• Use a well-draining potting mix: Opt for a mix made for succulents or citrus to mimic snow in the summer’s favored dry conditions.

• Situate pot in full sun: Place container in an area receiving at least 6 hours of direct light daily.

• Allow soil to dry out between waterings: Check soil with your finger and water only when the top 1-2″ are dry.

• Fertilize lightly in spring: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half strength every 2-3 weeks.

• Watch for weedy growth: Trim back wayward stems to keep growth contained.

• Overwinter container indoors: Bring pots into an unheated garage or greenhouse once temps drop below 40°F.

With the right potting mix and proper watering habits, snow in the summer makes a fantastic spiller in containers and hanging baskets. Trim as needed to keep it from overtaking other plants.

How to Care for Snow in the Summer

Snow in the summer requires minimal care when provided with suitable growing conditions. Follow these simple care guidelines once established:

• Water deeply and infrequently: Allow the soil to partially dry out between thorough soakings.

• Fertilize lightly in early spring: Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost if soils are very poor.

• Trim any unsightly growth: Shear back leggy stems using garden shears to encourage fuller growth.

• Cut back spent flower stems: Deadhead faded blooms to improve appearance.

• Divide every 2-3 years: Rejuvenate overgrown plants by digging up and replanting divisions.

• Mulch for weed control: Apply a thin layer of gravel or wood chips to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

With proper siting and occasional pruning, snow in the summer will thrive with minimal input from the gardener. Simply provide well-draining soil and full sun exposure.

Common Pests and Diseases

Snow in the summer rarely faces serious pest or disease issues. You may encounter:

• Fungal diseases: Root rot, stem rot, and powdery mildew. Improve airflow and drainage.

• Spider mites: Speckled foliage and webbing. Knock off with water or use insecticidal soap.

• Aphids: Curled, distorted leaves. Apply strong sprays of water and prune affected parts.

By choosing disease-resistant varieties, allowing for proper air circulation, and avoiding overwatering, you can avoid most problems with snow in the summer. Quickly remove and destroy any infested plants to prevent spreading.

How and When Snow in the Summer Blooms

One of the top reasons to grow snow in the summer is for its vibrant spring bloom. Here’s what to expect:

• Bloom time: Late spring to early summer. Flowers appear on mature plants in April/May and last 4-6 weeks.

• Flower color: Pure white with yellow centers. The five-petaled blooms blanket the plant.

• Flower form: Small and delicate blooms held above the foliage. Cultivars offer larger blooms.

• Fragrance: Subtly sweet scent when plants are in full flower. Not overpowering.

For best results, plant snow in the summer in full sun and provide excellent drainage. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Dividing mature plants regularly yields the highest number of blooms each year.

Uses for Snow in the Summer in Gardens

With its showy spring blooms and neat, compact form, snow in the summer lends itself to several uses:

• Groundcover: Plants spread to form a dense mat, suppressing weeds and filling in space.

• Rock gardens: Provides color and softens edges between stones and boulders.

• Border fronts: Creates a frothy edge along beds, walls, and pathways.

• Containers: Trails beautifully from hanging baskets and mixed pots.

• Edging: Less invasive varieties can edge beds and surround taller plants.

• Erosion control: Forms a mat that holds soil in place on slopes and banks.

• Lawn alternative: Can be used as a drought-resistant, no-mow groundcover.

Choose the right cultivar for your specific needs, as some spread much more rapidly than others. The versatility of snow in the summer makes it useful in many garden situations.

How to Propagate Snow in the Summer

Snow in the summer propagates easily via seed and division:

Seed

• Sow fresh seed in fall or allow seedheads to self-sow each spring. Takes 1-2 years to bloom.

Division

• Dig up mature plants in spring and divide into sections. Replant 12″ apart.

Runners

• Above-ground runners root where they touch soil. Sever and replant rooted sections.

When propagating, choose young, vigorously growing plants for the best results. Propagating snow in the summer regularly prevents overcrowding and encourages vigorous blooming.

Tips for Growing Snow in the Summer

Keep these tips in mind to successfully grow snow in the summer:

• Plant in gritty, sandy soil with excellent drainage – wet feet cause root rot.

• Avoid rich potting mixes and fertile garden soils which cause floppy, leggy growth.

• Space plants at least 12 inches apart for proper air flow and light penetration.

• Site in full sun (at least 6 hours direct sun per day).

• Water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil are dry. Avoid constant moisture.

• Cut back leggy stems in late spring to encourage bushier, compact growth.

• Remove spent flower stems to promote continuous blooming and reduce unwanted self-sowing.

• Divide plants every 2-3 years in early spring to rejuvenate growth.

• Grow in zones 3-8, where cool, dry summers provide ideal conditions.

Finding the Right Snow in the Summer Variety

There are a few common snow in the summer varieties to choose from:

• Silver Carpet: Compact at 4-6 inches tall. Slower spreading.

• Yo-Yo: Prolific bloomer at 6 inches tall with minimal spreading.

• Columnae: Short at 4 inches tall. Upright form, less spreading.

• Olympia: Clump-forming at 6-8 inches tall. Large blooms on long stems.

• Jumbo Snow in Summer: Larger leaves and vigorous spreading habit. Found as a chance seedling.

Consider your specific needs in terms of mature size, blooming vigor, and growth habit when selecting a variety. Trial different types to see which performs best in your growing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common snow in the summer questions:

Is snow in the summer considered invasive?

It can spread aggressively in ideal conditions but is not classified as an invasive plant. Choose non-spreading cultivars if this is a concern.

How much sun does snow in the summer need?

At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is ideal. Too much shade encourages floppy, disease-prone growth.

What type of soil does snow in the summer prefer?

This plant thrives in poor, sandy, well-draining soil. Avoid overly rich soil and wet, boggy conditions.

Is snow in the summer drought tolerant?

Yes, snow in the summer is quite drought tolerant once established. Overwatering will lead to root rot.

Should snow in the summer be cut back after flowering?

While not mandatory, cutting back spent flower stems improves appearance and prevents rampant self-sowing.

An Unforgettable Flower for Unique Gardens

With its clouds of pristine white blooms and soft, woolly leaves, snow in the summer is one flowering perennial that lives up to its magical name. This rugged plant thrives with minimal care and provides year-round interest for gardens and landscapes. For those seeking unique groundcovers that flourish in dry, sunny spots, look no further than the charming snow in the summer plant.