Arenaria montana is a compact alpine perennial forming tidy mats of evergreen foliage covered by a profusion of pure white flowers in late spring. Its dense, low profile makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, edging paths, or spilling over stone walls. The bright blooms and mossy green foliage offer a crisp contrast that remains visually appealing even when not in bloom.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, slightly alkaline or sandy soils
Watering Needs: Low; prefers dry to medium moisture once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to the mountain regions of southwestern Europe, particularly the Pyrenees and parts of Spain and Portugal.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts solitary bees and small native bees that forage among the abundant spring flowers.
Butterflies
- Provides nectar for early flying butterflies such as Spring Azures and small skippers.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow full mat formation without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for alpine gardens, raised beds, path edges, and between stepping stones where its low height and white flowers brighten crevices and nooks.
Companion Plants
- Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) - Spreads in a low evergreen form and offers similar white spring blooms for a cohesive alpine palette.
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) - A fragrant, fast spreading ground cover with small purple blooms that softens hard edges and thrives in dry soils.
- Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox) - Spreads in a moss like carpet and blooms in vivid pink or lavender tones to contrast Arenaria’s white flowers.
- Campanula carpatica (Carpathian Bellflower) - Adds upright bell shaped flowers and a longer blooming period to small scale rock gardens.
- Delosperma cooperi (Ice Plant) - Offers succulent foliage and bright daisy like blooms with excellent drought tolerance and color variety.