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Key characteristics

Family: Caryophyllaceae
Height: 6 to 12 inches
Width: 12 to 24 inches, spreading ground cover
Flower color: White, small star-shaped flowers
Foliage color: Silvery-gray, woolly leaves
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Maintenance: Low
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 7
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and other pollinators

Groundcovers

Cerastium tomentosum

Snow-in-Summer

Cerastium tomentosum, commonly known as Snow-in-Summer, is a mat-forming perennial admired for its silver-gray, woolly foliage and its masses of small, white, star-shaped flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the profusion of bright white blooms creates a striking contrast against the silvery foliage, resembling a blanket of snow-hence its common name. As the flowers bloom in dense clusters, they often spill over rocks or walls, adding a soft, flowing appearance to the landscape.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Pollinator Gardens
Deer-Prone Areas
Borders
Rock Gardens

Companion plants

Creeping phlox · Blue fescues · Lavender · Dianthus · Salvias · Rockroses

Design tip

Repeat this silvery groundcover beside darker evergreens or deep green perennials to emphasize its cool foliage throughout the season. The contrasting leaf colors create lasting definition, making nearby flowers appear brighter while adding depth to sunny garden compositions.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)