Cerastium tomentosum var. columnae

Cerastium tomentosum var. columnae, also known as Mouse Ear or Snow-in-Summer, is a creeping perennial that forms a grey and fluffy carpet. Its soft foliage is composed of fine evergreen leaves. From May to June-July, depending on the region, countless small white flowers appear, transforming the plant into a blanket of snow. It is a particularly floriferous low variety, ideal for covering large areas in poor and dry soil, or for creating borders.

Mouse Ear is a very hardy plant native to Italy and Sicily, with a wide distribution range that extends from the mountains of Asia Minor to southern and Eastern Europe. This species, which is highly variable in nature, has allowed for the selection of certain forms such as the var. columnae, which is more compact and floriferous than the species type, with a more silvery foliage. It has a low habit and a creeping growth that allows it to quickly colonise an almost unlimited surface area. It will not exceed 10 cm (4in) in height. Its grey fuzzy foliage is composed of small leaves, slightly more silver than other Cerastium tomentosum varieties. Its growth is very vigorous, spreading via its rhizomes. In May-June countless small white flowers appear, hiding the foliage underneath.

Cerastium tomentosum prefers a dry and sunny site, as well as light and well-drained soils. It is a drought-tolerant plant and is sensitive to waterlogged soils. Place Cerastium tomentosum var. columnae on top of walls, or in the gaps between their stones. Ideal in rockeries but also alongside steps, accompanied by e.g. thymes or dwarf artemisias. It also pairs well on slopes with other perennials and shrubs adapted to dry soil (lavenders, cistuses, rosemarys, brooms, leadworts, valerians), which it will allow to emerge through its leaves while protecting them from adventive plants. It is perfect for cultivation in pots on terraces and balconies, escaping to drape itself down their sides. Its use in green roofs is highly recommended.