Arenaria montana Mountain Sandwort

Arenaria montana is a classic little alpine or rock garden plant, still relatively unknown to many gardeners. The plant has narrow, glossy green leaves that form prostrate mats of foliage that are evergreen. In mid-spring, Sandwort is blanketed by relatively large 1.25cmwide, white flowers. It is an impressive show that has tremendous impact when grown en masse and is even more spectacular when spring-flowering bulbs are mixed in. Mountain Sandwort does best in full sun to partial shade and prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil. It is considered to be Drought Tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden. It is not particular as to soil type or pH and is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Plants will grow to be only 5cm (2in) tall at maturity extending to 1.5cm (4in) tall with the flowers, with a spread of 30cm (12in). Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground and grows at a slow rate. Under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. With a ground-hugging habit of growth this useful plant can be used at the front of the border, it can be used en masse as a lawn substitute for low foot traffic areas and is a good candidate for a green roof. They are at their loveliest spilling over edges of walls and rocks to create the illusion of a living waterfall and will quickly fill in the spaces between stepping stones or trail down the sides of walls.