The mountain sandwort (bot. Arenaria montana), occasionally available in stores as dwarf sandwort, is a very easy-care plant in the optimal location. Its original homeland is colder and temperate zones in the northern hemisphere of the earth.
How do you care for mountain chickweed (Arenaria Montana)?
Arenaria Montana care includes a sunny location, well-drained, calcareous and rather dry soil, infrequent fertilization and watering only in persistent drought. The plant is suitable for rock gardens, has a height of approx. 15 cm and flowers white from May to June.
The best location for mountain chickweed
Although Arenaria montana doesn't need a lot of heat to thrive, it does need a lot of light. A sunny location is necessary so that the plant blooms profusely from May to July. Sunshine or lots of light for at least half of the day is ideal.
The right soil for mountain chickweed
As the name suggests, the mountain chickweed likes the mountains and the sand. The soil should therefore be dry and sandy, perhaps even rocky. A slightly higher lime content does not affect the mountain chickweed. It does not tolerate waterlogging, so it relies on good soil permeability.
Water and fertilize the mountain chickweed properly
The mountain chickweed can tolerate weeks of drought 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 sandwort thrives on poor soils. You should only give it some compost or fertilizer when planting and then only every two to three years.
The propagation of chickweed
In order to get a lot of plants over time, you don't have to sow the mountain chickweed or struggle with cuttings. About every two to three years you can divide the existing plants and multiply them.
Cut off dead roots and dry shoots straight away. This way you can rejuvenate your plants. Divide the root ball and plant the sections again. A small amount of compost makes it easier to grow.
The most important things 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 it is dry, in the morning or evening, not in the midday sun
- Growth height: approx. 15 cm
- Flowering period: May to June
- Flower color: white
Tip
With a little fertilizer and regular watering, you can encourage your Arenaria montana to bloom particularly lushly.
