- The best location for the mountain chickweed
- The right soil for the mountain sandwort
- Water and fertilize the mountain chickweed properly
- The propagation of chickweed
Mountain chickweed (bot. Arenaria montana), occasionally also commercially available as dwarf chickweed, is a very easy-care plant in the ideal location. Its original home are colder and temperate zones in the northern hemisphere of the earth.
The mountain sandwort likes it sandy and dry
The best location for the mountain chickweed
The Arenaria montana does not need a lot of heat to thrive, but it does need a lot of light. A sunny location is necessary for the plant to flower profusely from May to July. Sunshine or lots of light for at least half of the day is ideal.
The right soil for the mountain sandwort
As the name suggests, the mountain chickweed likes mountains and sand. So the soil should be rather dry and sandy, maybe even rocky. A slightly higher lime content does not bother the mountain sandwort. On the other hand, it does not tolerate waterlogging, so it is dependent on good permeability of the soil.
Water and fertilize the mountain chickweed properly
The mountain sandwort tolerates drought for weeks quite well, so it does not need to be watered in normal weather. If the foliage becomes limp, water the plant thoroughly. Fertilizer is also rarely necessary, because the chickweed also thrives on poor soil. Only when planting and then only every two to three years should you treat it to some compost or fertilizer.
The propagation of chickweed
In order to get many plants over time, you don't have to sow the mountain chickweed or bother with cuttings. About every two to three years you can divide the existing plants and thus propagate them.
Cut off dead roots and dry shoots at the same time. This is how you ensure a rejuvenation of your plant population. Divide the root ball and replant the sections. A small amount of compost makes it easier to grow.
The essentials in brief:
- undemanding and easy to care for
- Location: sunny
- Soil: permeable, calcareous, rather dry
- very suitable for rock gardens
- fertilize: rarely or not at all
- watering: only necessary if the drought persists, in the morning or in the evening, not in the midday sun
- Growth height: approx. 15 cm
- Flowering period: May to June
- Flower color: white
tips
With a little fertilizer and regular watering, you can encourage your Arenaria montana to bloom particularly lavishly.