Species Newfoundland Chickweed
white flowers with lime center, white filaments and yellow anthers

Newfoundland Chickweed

Cerastium terrae-novae

Newfoundland Chickweed (Cerastium terrae-novae) is a low-growing, perennial, mat-forming plant native to the coastal areas of Newfoundland, Canada. It features fleshy foliage in bright shades of green to gray-green and is topped by tiny white flowers. This hardy, evergreen groundcover will form a colorful mound of foliage, providing an attractive display year-round and supports native wildlife. It thrives in both full sun and part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. While tough and hardy, Newfoundland Chickweed must be kept well watered when grown in hot, dry summer conditions. It also blooms from mid-spring to early summer, and can be divided and transplanted easily.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting

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

watering

Daily watering is best for Newfoundland Chickweed. Water enough so that the soil is evenly moist but not so much that it becomes soggy or waterlogged. The best time to water is in the morning so that the plant has enough moisture during the day and the water has had enough time to dry out before nightfall to prevent root rot. Other than that, water when the soil is starting to feel dry an inch below the surface. It is important to avoid long periods of drought, as this can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves.

sunlight

Newfoundland Chickweed (Cerastium terrae-novae) prefers full sun to partial shade. It will grow in partial shade but will produce smaller leaves and less flowers. It requires at least 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight each day for good growth and flowering. When grown in full sun, Newfoundland Chickweed will flower from mid to late summer. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

pruning

In general, Newfoundland Chickweed should be pruned in late winter or early spring. This species blooms from late spring through early fall, and pruning should always be done prior to flowering for best results. When pruning try to remove up to 1 third of the plant’s height and spread, as this will help to control plant size, promote denser foliage, and can improve flowering. The tips of the branches should be cut just above a pair of well-spaced leaves. Pruning can also be done in late summer, after blooming, and this can help to keep a neat, tidy shape and can also encourage more bushy growth. Removing any dead or dying stems at this time is also recommended.