Cerastium alpinum

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7

Light: Full sun to part shade

Mature Size: 3–6" tall | spreading mat

Attracts: Pollinators

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Water Needs: Low to moderate; prefers dry to average conditions with good drainage

Soil: Sharply drained sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils

Growth Habit: Low-growing, dense, mat-forming perennial

Flowers: Small white star-shaped blooms that contrast beautifully with silvery fuzzy foliage

Ideal For: Rock gardens, alpine gardens, border edging, groundcover, containers

Evergreen: Semi-evergreen in mild climates

Why We Love It:
Alpine Mouse-ear forms soft silver mats that bring brightness and texture to rock gardens and alpine plantings year-round. In late spring, crisp white flowers rise above the woolly foliage, creating a clean, refined look against gravel and stone. Tough, cold hardy, and easy to grow, it thrives in sharply drained soils and dry conditions, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for water-wise gardens and alpine landscapes.

Additional Info:
Deer resistant and especially well suited to crevice gardens, troughs, and rocky slopes where drainage is excellent. Its silvery foliage provides lasting contrast throughout the season and pairs beautifully with compact alpines, succulents, and other xeric perennials. Best grown in lean soils without excessive moisture or fertility.

Photo Credit: Panayoti Kelaidis