Taxonomy of Snow-In-Summer Plants:
Plant taxonomy classifies snow-in-summer plants as Cerastium tomentosum.
Plant Type for Snow-In-Summer Flowers:
Cerastium tomentosum plants are classified as herbaceous perennials.
Characteristics of Snow-In-Summer Plants:
Snow-in-summer plants get their common name from their blooming habit. They bloom profusely in the early summer, and the flowers are a pristine white with little notches cut into them. But their name doesn't tell the whole story. Cerastium tomentosum is as admired for its delicate, wooly, silvery foliage as for its flowers. Height 6"-12", width 12"-18". Spreads quickly by reseeding itself and producing runners.
Planting Zones for Snow-In-Summer Plants:
Snow-in-summer plants are commonly grown in zones 3-7. They can be grown in zones 8-10, but are short-lived there.
Sun and Soil Requirements for Snow-In-Summer Plants:
Snow-in-summer plants prefer sun and thrive in well-drained, poor soil. These perennial flowers are drought-tolerant.
Care for Snow-In-Summer Plants:
After they have dumped their "snowfall" of white blooms in early summer, trim away the faded blooms and some of the foliage to keep snow-in-summer plants looking attractive all summer. Remember, they are grown as much for the silvery carpet their foliage can provide as for their attractive flowers.
Caveat in Growing Snow-In-Summer Plants:
Snow-in-summer plants are considered invasive plants.
Uses for Snow-In-Summer Plants in Landscape Design:
Snow-in-summer plants are a popular choice for perennial flowers in rock gardens and border plantings. They are similar in some respects to another rock garden favorite, Aurinia saxatilis, but stay shorter. These perennial flowers form a dense mat, making them useful as ground covers.
