Snow-in-summer (compact form)
Cerastium tomentosum
Snow-in-summer (compact form) (Cerastium tomentosum) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4 to 6 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Tidier cultivars of the original snow-in-summer. Less aggressive than the species.
On the CSU listlow to medium water4 to 6 in tall and 12 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseLow ignitability: OK 0-30 ft from the house, CSU score 8/10Deer-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 to 7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.5 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 4 to 6 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Planting spacing
- ~17 to 24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom length
- 2 to 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
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Low ignitability: OK 0-30 ft from the house, CSU score 8/10
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySnow-in-summer, spreads via runners, can sprawl 3+ ft
Using Snow-in-summer (compact form) as a groundcover
Snow-in-summer (compact form) 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 deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1 to 2×/month during dry stretches.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Snow-in-summer (compact form) good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Snow-in-summer (compact form) is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Snow-in-summer (compact form)?
- The main things to know: Snow-in-summer, spreads via runners, can sprawl 3+ ft
- How big does Snow-in-summer (compact form) get?
- It matures to about 4 to 6 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Snow-in-summer (compact form)?
- Space Snow-in-summer (compact form) about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Snow-in-summer (compact form) hardy on the Front Range?
- Snow-in-summer (compact form) is hardy in USDA 3 to 7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Snow-in-summer (compact form) need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Snow-in-summer (compact form) native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Snow-in-summer (compact form) deer-resistant?
- Snow-in-summer (compact form) is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Snow-in-summer (compact form) a good firewise plant near the house?
- Snow-in-summer (compact form) is rated 8 of 10 in CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), where higher means less ignitable, so it can go within 0 to 5 feet of the house as well as out to 30 feet when kept watered and tidy. This is general guidance based on CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), 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 (compact form)?
- Snow-in-summer (compact form) isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Snow-in-summer (compact form) replace a lawn?
- Yes, Snow-in-summer (compact form) 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 (compact form) spread or stay put?
- Snow-in-summer (compact form) 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 (compact form) stay green in winter?
- Snow-in-summer (compact form) holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- How long does Snow-in-summer (compact form) bloom?
- Snow-in-summer (compact form) blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
