Species Thyme-Leaved Sandwort
white flowers with lime center, green buds, leaves and green stems

Thyme-Leaved Sandwort

Arenaria serpyllifolia var. serpyllifolia

Thyme-Leaved Sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia var. serpyllifolia) is a low-growing, perennial flowering plant. It has small, gray-green leaves that look like those of thyme, hence the name. The flowers are small, white, and five-petaled. This species appreciates full sun and dry, well-drained soils. It is a great ground cover for rocky or sandy soils and can tolerate poor soil conditions. It is also drought tolerant and can spread out over space. It is an excellent species to use in rock gardens and can grow up to four inches tall. It blooms in late spring and early summer. Thyme-Leaved Sandwort is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that is sure to add color and texture to any landscape.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Red Bearberry (Arctous rubra) should be watered moderately and regularly, but not too frequently. Water this plant about once a week - if the weather is very hot or very dry, increase the frequency of watering to twice a week. Make sure to always check the soil moisture before watering – if the soil is still moist, delay the next watering. During winter months, reduce the frequency of watering to once a month.

sunlight

Red Bearberry (Arctous rubra) grows best in areas with full sun and partial shade. It should receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, with the optimum amount being 8 or more hours. This species of plant doesn't do well in full shade, so it's important to make sure it has plenty of access to direct sunlight. If planted in a shady area, it can become leggy as a result of inadequate sunlight. It's best to locate the Red Bearberry in a sunny spot when possible.

pruning

Red Bearberry (Arctous rubra) should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This promotes a healthy and abundant bloom, a full plant to create a hedge, or a more compact form. Just prior to pruning, be sure to check the size of the stem, since stems that are narrow should not be pruned heavily. Cut out any dead or damaged branches and thin out any overcrowded areas. This will help to let in light, increase airflow, and reduce pest problems. Pinch or cut back leggy growth to encourage a compact habit and stronger growth. Avoid "shearing," or cutting all branches to the same length as this will produce a less attractive, unnatural-looking plant.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.