How big does Mountain sandwort grow?

About 10 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 5–10 cm × 25–50 cm.

What soil does Mountain sandwort grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Mountain sandwort hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How much water does Mountain sandwort need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Mountain sandwort

Arenaria montana

Mountain sandwort (Arenaria montana) is a ground cover plant that reaches 10 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium.

Illustration of Mountain sandwort — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

It forms a low, evergreen, fresh green cushion that in late spring almost disappears under pure white flowers that are strikingly large for the size of the leaves. Use it in a rock garden, on top of a retaining wall, between stepping stones or in a pot, in sun or light part shade. It needs soil that drains well but does not dry out: it roots shallowly, so water it in summer dry spells.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry lowland summers of Central Europe it is short-lived: because of its shallow roots it scorches in prolonged drought, while in waterlogged, heavy soil the crown rots. It is worth renewing from seed or cuttings every few years and trimming lightly after flowering to keep it dense. No serious pests or diseases are known.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 10 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	10 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	5–10 cm × 25–50 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	25 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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