Post Views: 112 Learn how to grow Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium), a hardy ground cover with silver foliage and white flowers. Get planting tips, care guidelines, and solutions for common problems. I first saw Snow-in-Summer cascading over a rock wall in a local botanical garden. The plant formed a solid mat of silvery-gray, covered in a blizzard of small white flowers. I knew immediately I had to have it in my own garden. After several years of growing it, I can confirm it’s one of the toughest and most rewarding ground covers you can plant, perfect for those tricky, sunny spots. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial known for its felt-like, silver leaves and prolific display of tiny, star-shaped white flowers in late spring to early summer. It’s a fast-spreading plant that thrives on neglect, making it ideal for beginners. Why Grow Snow-in-Summer? You should grow this plant for three main reasons. First, its stunning silver foliage provides visual interest all year round. Second, it creates a spectacular display of flowers that truly looks like a fresh snowfall. Third, it is incredibly drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil where other plants struggle. It’s an excellent choice for rock gardens and slopes. How to Plant Snow-in-Summer Getting this plant established is simple if you choose the right location. Choosing a Location The most critical factor for success is full sun. This plant needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its compact form and prolific flowering. In too much shade, it becomes leggy and flowers poorly. It is not picky about soil. In fact, it prefers poor to average, well-draining soil. Rich, fertile soil can make it grow too aggressively. It is excellent for erosion control on sunny slopes. Planting from Nursery Pots or Seeds You can start from seeds or small plants. Caring for Your Plants Snow-in-Summer is very low-maintenance once established. A Quick Care Reference Care Aspect Requirement Light Full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily). Soil Poor to average, very well-draining soil. Watering Low water needs once established. Fertilizing None needed. Growth Habit Low-growing, fast-spreading ground cover (3-6 inches tall). Common Problems and Solutions Even tough plants can have issues. Here’s how to handle them. How to Use It in Your Landscape This plant is versatile in the right setting. Final Thoughts Snow-in-Summer is a phenomenal plant for the right spot. If you have a hot, dry, sunny area with poor soil, this plant will be a star. Just be mindful of its spreading habit and give it the tough love it deserves. It’s a perfect example of a plant that proves beauty doesn’t have to be high-maintenance. If you’re looking for other tough, drought-resistant plants, consider exploring our articles on drought-tolerant landscaping for more inspiration. Have you grown Snow-in-Summer before? Share your experiences in the comments below.