Snow-in-summer
Cerastium tomentosum
Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 18–30 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Silver foliage, sheets of white flowers in late spring. Spreads and reseeds, plant where wandering is welcome.
On the CSU listlow to medium water4–8 in tall and 18–30 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: no rights reserved
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: (c) CorentinD, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CorentinD
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 4–8 in tall and 18–30 in wide
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Planting spacing
- ~21–30 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySnow-in-summer, spreads via runners, can sprawl 3+ ft
- Self-seedsIt self-seeds readily, so edit the seedlings to keep it in bounds.
Using Snow-in-summer as a groundcover
Snow-in-summer forms a low mat. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer. Sheds and reseeds, give it room or plant where it can spread.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Snow-in-summer good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Snow-in-summer is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Snow-in-summer?
- The main things to know: Snow-in-summer, spreads via runners, can sprawl 3+ ft It self-seeds readily, so edit the seedlings to keep it in bounds.
- How big does Snow-in-summer get?
- It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 18–30 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Snow-in-summer?
- Space Snow-in-summer about 21 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 30 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Snow-in-summer hardy on the Front Range?
- Snow-in-summer is hardy in USDA 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Snow-in-summer need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Snow-in-summer native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Snow-in-summer deer-resistant?
- Snow-in-summer is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Snow-in-summer a good firewise plant near the house?
- Snow-in-summer is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Snow-in-summer?
- Snow-in-summer isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Snow-in-summer replace a lawn?
- Yes, Snow-in-summer works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Snow-in-summer spread or stay put?
- Snow-in-summer is mat-forming. Snow-in-summer, spreads via runners, can sprawl 3+ ft Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Snow-in-summer stay green in winter?
- Snow-in-summer holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- How long does Snow-in-summer bloom?
- Snow-in-summer blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
