Species Nodding Chickweed
white flowers with yellow anthers, lime center, green leaves and brown stems

Nodding Chickweed

Cerastium nutans

Nodding Chickweed, scientifically known as Cerastium nutans, is a low-growing member of the carnation family found in many areas of Europe. It is a perennial of delicate elegance with small, white flowers, each with five petals, that nod on fragile stems. Each flower is surrounded by a collar of small and shiny grey-green scaly leaves, giving it a unique appearance. During flowers blooming, beautiful scent comes from the flowers, it's a dense, sweet smell that is especially pleasing at night. Nodding Chickweed spreads by producing short stems, each with nodding, star-shaped flowers, that run along the ground. It does very well in some dry, shaded areas, so it is an excellent addition to rock gardens and other landscaping!

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Stem Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Nodding Chickweed is a drought-tolerant plant species that prefers dry, sandy soils. It can also thrive in heavier soils if provided with adequate drainage. For optimal growth, water moderately, particularly during the hottest months of the year. In general, water once a week during the summer months, and every 2 weeks during cooler weather. Make sure the soil is completely saturated, but do not over water. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but be careful not to let it dry out completely.

sunlight

Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans) when grown in optimal conditions benefits from full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours a day. This species does well in both partial shade and full sun. When grown in partial shade, the plant should receive 4-6 hours of sun a day, while full sun conditions require 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Plants grown in full shade or too much shade can become weak and leggy, while plants grown in too much sun can suffer from sunburned foliage.

pruning

Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans) can be pruned to achieve a more compact, neat growth habit. Pruning should take place in the late summer, before the plant sets buds for the following season of growth. Be sure to use clean and sharp pruning shears to keep the plant healthy, and prune away stems just above a node, preferably at an outward-facing angle. Pruning can be used to shape and train the plant, as well as to remove dead or diseased stems and foliage, and should be done yearly to maintain its desired shape.