Woolly/Alpine Snow In Summer

Woolly Snow-in-summer is a low alpine perennial that forms a slow-growing cushion of fuzzy, silver-gray foliage. Starry white flowers appear in late spring and early summer, making it a useful texture plant for rock gardens and troughs. [Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77250076-1) accepts the botanical name Cerastium alpinum var. lanatum, and [Perennials.com](https://www.perennials.com/plants/cerastium-alpinum-var-lanatum.html) describes the exact variety and its compact dimensions. ## Siting and size Choose a sunny position with sharp drainage, such as a rock garden, gravel edge, alpine trough, or raised bed. The variety makes a low cushion about one to two inches tall and six to twelve inches wide. It tolerates poor, sandy soil and dry conditions after establishment, but prolonged winter wet can damage the crown. USDA zones 2–9 are listed by the exact-variety profile. ## Seasonal interest The small white flowers rise just above the silvery foliage in late spring and early summer. Use the plant near stones or at the edge of a container, where its fine texture can be seen without being crowded by taller neighbors. Its slow pace makes it better suited to a defined pocket than a space that needs quick cover. ## Maintenance Water during establishment, then let the soil dry between waterings. Divide the cushion every few years if it becomes open or crowded, and replant divisions in sharply drained soil. Remove dead material gently after flowering, taking care not to bury the crown under mulch or wet debris.