Moana Nursery High Desert Plant Finder & Guide
perennial

Corsican Sandwort

Arenaria balearica

Add To My Wish List

 
Corsican Sandwort (Arenaria balearica) at Moana Nursery

Corsican Sandwort flowers

Corsican Sandwort flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  2 inches

Spread:  18 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Description:

An interesting little alpine or rock garden plant which forms a low evergreen cushion of dark green foliage; bears loads of tiny white flowers on short stems in late spring; great for edging paths, between flagstones, or in the rock garden

Ornamental Features

Corsican Sandwort is bathed in stunning white cup-shaped flowers with chartreuse eyes held atop the stems from late spring to early summer, which emerge from distinctive brick red flower buds. Its tiny oval leaves remain dark green in color throughout the year. The brick red stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Corsican Sandwort is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Corsican Sandwort is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Corsican Sandwort will grow to be only 2 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant should be grown in a location with partial shade. Keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Edging  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Texture  Bark  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features