Paronychia kapela ssp. serpyllifolia (Nailwort)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8

Light: Full sun to part shade

Mature Size: 1–2" tall | up to 18" wide

Attracts: Pollinators

Bloom Time: Summer

Water Needs: Low once established; highly drought tolerant

Soil: Sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soils

Growth Habit: Dense, mat-forming evergreen groundcover

Flowers: Tiny green-white blooms accented by papery silver bracts that linger for weeks

Ideal For: Rock gardens, between flagstones, edging, containers, xeriscapes

Evergreen: Yes

Why We Love It:
Silver Nailwort forms a durable, ground-hugging carpet that thrives where many other plants struggle. Its fine-textured evergreen foliage stays attractive year-round, while the shimmering silver bracts add subtle beauty through summer. Tough, drought tolerant, and able to handle light foot traffic, it’s an excellent low-water alternative to creeping thyme for pathways, rock gardens, and gravel plantings. The tidy growth habit gives gardens a clean, finished look without requiring much maintenance.

Additional Info:
Winter foliage may develop attractive copper or bronze tones in colder weather. Long-lived and exceptionally low maintenance once established. Performs best in lean, sharply drained soils and should not be planted in areas that stay wet, especially during winter. Excellent for alpine gardens, crevice gardens, and dry landscape plantings.