This hornwort has an apt name. In fact, it weaves such a dense carpet from its numerous shoots that no weeds can get past it to the light. The silver shimmer of its leaves stands out decoratively from the green of other plants. Learn more about its cultivation.
Silver chickweed is particularly popular in rock gardens
appearance and growth
The hornwort silver carpet is a low-growing perennial that reaches almost 20 cm in height. Instead, the area around the plant is their preferred area of conquest. It forms root runners and thus weaves an ever-widening carpet. These are their visual characteristics:
- narrow, silvery shiny leaves
- countless small white star flowers from May to June
- very dense growth, evergreen
purchase and propagation
Purchasing this plant is not too expensive. You can get a copy for just a few euros. For larger orders you usually get a volume discount.
You can grow this toadstool even cheaper in the garden by buying seeds. They are sown indoors in March and planted out in May. Other ways of propagation are: cuttings in spring and division in autumn.
Preferred location
The hardy tomentosum can be planted out permanently in the garden. It will voluntarily choose a sunny spot with well-drained, dry soil. The herb tolerates small deviations, but not when it is supposed to stand in the wet.
possible uses
Its low and dense growth habit and its great urge to spread make the chickweed an all-rounder in the garden. It grows:
- on roof gardens
- in rock gardens
- as a ground cover
- as a gap filler
- as a weed suppressant
- in the perennial bed
- on mural crowns
- as a border
- along the paths
tips
Plant several perennials 30 cm apart. This is how the fine herb comes into its own.
maintenance
The hornwort silver carpet is very easy to care for, if not indestructible. The question is not what its owner must provide for good growth. Rather, it is a question of what must be withheld from him or made available in only modest quantities. These are two things: water and nutrients.
The drier and leaner the earth is, the more comfortable the hornwort silver carpet will feel. Plant it and just let it grow in peace.