Arenaria alfacarensis

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8

Light: Full sun

Mature Size: 1–3" tall | 6–12" wide

Attracts: Pollinators

Bloom Time: Early to late summer

Water Needs: Low once established; drought tolerant

Soil: Gritty, sharply drained soils

Growth Habit: Extremely tight, mat-forming evergreen groundcover

Flowers: Small white blooms lightly scattered above dense silver-green foliage

Ideal For: Rock gardens, crevice gardens, containers, groundcover, dry sunny sites

Evergreen: Yes

Why We Love It:
Spanish Sandwort forms beautifully refined cushion-like mats with a soft silver-green texture that resembles living moss or lichen among stone and gravel. Its dense evergreen growth stays exceptionally compact and tidy, making it a standout choice for detailed rock gardens, troughs, and crevice plantings. Slow growing, drought tolerant, and very low maintenance once established, it thrives in harsh sunny conditions where drainage is excellent.

Additional Info:
Performs best in gritty, sharply drained soils with minimal supplemental water once established. Rare and often difficult to find, it is especially valued by alpine gardeners and collectors for its tight growth habit and refined texture. Excellent for containers, troughs, and small-scale alpine landscapes where its compact evergreen form can be appreciated up close.