This creeping evergreen perennial is native to the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia and mainland Italy and is a member of the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae, that also includes, pinks, baby’s breath, and Irish moss. It grows 1/2-1″ tall and forms a dense moss-like carpet of tiny green leaves. In late spring and early summer short stems bear tiny star-like flowers with 5 pure white petals. Plants need partial shade and well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer and are a good choice for alpine troughs, between paving stones and for rock, alpine, and wall gardens. The genus name, Arenaria, comes from the Latin word arena, meaning sand, and refers to the soil of the natural habitat of most of the plants. The specific epithet, balearica, refers to the Balearic Islands, where the plants are native.
Type: Evergreen perennial
Bloom: Tiny white flowers in late spring and early summer
Size: 1/2-1′ H x spreading
Light: Partial shade; full sun if soil is consistantly moist
Soil: Average, consistantly moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Division, basal cuttings, seed
Companion Plants: Ferns, Romoda myconi, Croydalis ochroleuca
Photo Credit: Ghislain Wikipedia
Karen Meyers