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 4–6 in tall and 12–24 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 water4–6 in tall and 12–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Cerastium tomentosum
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Yo Yo', 'Silver Carpet'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–6 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySnow-in-summer, spreads via runners, can sprawl 3+ ft
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
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 1–2×/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 4–6 in tall and 12–24 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 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–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 a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, 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.
