Species European Chickweed

European Chickweed

Cerastium pumilum

European Chickweed (Cerastium pumilum) is a low-growing, herbaceous plant found throughout Europe. It is endemic to the region and can grow to about 6-12 inches high. The stem of the plant is fragile and sprawling. Its petite, ovate leaves are partially covered in fine hairs, giving it a silvery-grey color. The flowers of the Chickweed are small, white, star-shaped with five petals. They are typically borne in clusters. The Chickweed blooms from early summer until autumn and prefers moist, fertile soil in areas of partial sun. Its shallow roots aid in making it an effective ground-cover plant. They can be used as herbs for salads, stews, omelets and sauces.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Stem Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

European Chickweed needs moderate amounts of water at regular intervals. Water the plant thoroughly once every 2-3 days or when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Make sure that the soil is well-drained so that the plant does not become waterlogged. If the temperatures are consistently high, increase watering slightly to keep the soil moist.

sunlight

European chickweed (Cerastium pumilum) is a species of plant that thrives in full sunshine. It requires at least 8-10 hours of direct sunlight per day during the growing season to remain healthy and bloom. As the weather warms up, exposure to direct sunlight is best for it in the mornings and evenings when the sun is low, to prevent it from wilting. During the peak of the summer, when temperatures are highest, it should be placed in a spot with partial shade in the middle of the day. During the winter, it should have full sunlight for at least 5-6 hours per day.

pruning

European Chickweed (Cerastium pumilum) should be pruned after it has finished flowering, usually during the summer months. Prune it down to just a few centimeters above the ground. This will lead to more compact growth and should be done every few years, depending on the desired look. If the plant has become leggy, prune it more often. Pruning European Chickweed will also encourage more flowering and help to maintain a healthy, balanced look.