Cerastium

Cerastium Tomentosum – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Adding colourful perennials such as Cerastium tomentosum to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of snow in summer plants, and the right one for your space. Our cerastium plants have been grown and selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cerastium tomentosum, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cerastium Tomentosum Questions

1. What is Cerastium?

Cerastium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, also known as the chickweed family. It contains over 100 species, which are native to Europe, North America, and Asia. Cerastium plants are typically low-growing perennials with small white flowers. They are often used as groundcovers in rock gardens and other sunny areas.

2. How do I grow Cerastium?

Cerastium is relatively easy to grow. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Cerastium can be grown from seed, but it is easier to propagate by division in the spring or autumn. To divide cerastium, simply dig up the plant and divide the root ball into two or more pieces. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil and water them well.

3. How do I care for Cerastium?

Caring for cerastium, also known as snow-in-summer, is quite simple! These low-maintenance plants thrive with minimal effort, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those with busy schedules. Here's a quick guide to keeping your cerastium happy and thriving:

• Most cerastium varieties prefer full sun for at least 6-8 hours daily. This promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• Some shade tolerance exists, especially for hotter climates, but avoid full shade, as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
• Cerastium thrives in well-draining soil. Overwatering is the most common mistake, as it can lead to root rot.
• Water deeply when the top 25 mm of soil feels dry to the touch, then allow it to dry before watering again.
• During prolonged hot or dry periods, provide occasional deep watering to prevent wilting.
• Cerastium adapts to various soil types but prefers well-draining, sandy or loam soil. Avoid heavy clay soils that hold too much moisture.
• A light application of a slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser
• Pruning is not necessary for most cerastium varieties, but it can be done to maintain shape and control growth.

4. What is the summer snow plant in New Zealand?

The summer snow plant in New Zealand is Cerastium tomentosum, also known as snow-in-summer. It is a creeping perennial groundcover with small, silvery-gray leaves and white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. Cerastium tomentosum is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in New Zealand and is now found throughout the country.

Cerastium tomentosum is a popular garden plant because it is easy to grow and care for. It is also very tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including heat, drought, and poor soil. Cerastium tomentosum can be used to cover large areas of ground, or it can be planted in containers or hanging baskets.

Here are some tips for growing Cerastium tomentosum:

• Plant in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained soil.
• Water Cerastium regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize Cerastium once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The recommended fertiliser is: https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser
• Trim Cerastium back after flowering to promote new growth.

Cerastium tomentosum is a beautiful and versatile plant that is perfect for New Zealand gardens. It is easy to grow and care for, and it is very tolerant of a wide range of conditions.

5. What is the proper name for snow in summer?

The proper name for snow in summer is Cerastium tomentosum. It is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to alpine regions of Europe, but is widely cultivated as a groundcover in other parts of the world, including New Zealand.

Cerastium tomentosum has silver-grey foliage and white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers are small and star-shaped, and they resemble snowflakes, which is why the plant got its common name.

Cerastium tomentosum is a popular garden plant because it is easy to grow and care for. It is also very tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including heat, drought, and poor soil. Cerastium tomentosum can be used to cover large areas of ground, or it can be planted in containers or hanging baskets.

6. Where is Cerastium tomentosum native to?

The native range of Cerastium tomentosum, also known as snow-in-summer, is a bit complex and involves both its original and naturalized locations:

Original Native Range:

• Southern Italy: Specifically found in the Central and Southern Appennines mountain range.
• Corsica and Sicily: These Mediterranean islands also host native populations of the plant.

Naturalized Range:

• Scattered locations worldwide: Over time, Cerastium tomentosum has been introduced and become naturalized in various regions, including:
  • North America: Found in parts of Canada and the United States, often in rock gardens and other landscape settings.
  • Europe: Naturalized in some areas of France, where it sometimes appears spontaneously.
  • Other regions: Occasionally found in other parts of the world, like New Zealand, but not to the same extent as in North America and Europe.