Contents
Description
Cerastium Gibraltaricum, also known as Gibraltar Mouse-ear Chickweed, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to the rocky cliffs of Gibraltar, Spain, and Morocco. The plant has small, white flowers with five petals that bloom from late spring to early summer. The leaves are grayish-green and covered in fine hairs, giving them a woolly texture. The plant grows up to six inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Cerastium |
Appearance
Cerastium Gibraltaricum has small, white flowers that are approximately 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals, which are deeply notched at the tip. The leaves are grayish-green and covered in fine hairs, giving them a woolly texture. The leaves are oval-shaped and arranged opposite each other on the stem. The stem is also covered in fine hairs and is slightly woody at the base. The plant grows up to six inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches wide.
Care Guide
Water
Cerastium Gibraltaricum prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.
Fertilization
The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Soil
Cerastium Gibraltaricum prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions and is suitable for rock gardens and containers.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as profusely.
Hardiness Zones
Cerastium Gibraltaricum is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cerastium Gibraltaricum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. Some common pests that may attack the plant include aphids and spider mites.
Habitat
Cerastium Gibraltaricum is native to the rocky cliffs of Gibraltar, Spain, and Morocco. It grows in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. The plant is suitable for rock gardens, containers, and borders.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cerastium Gibraltaricum tolerate drought?
A: No, the plant prefers moist soil and may not survive extended periods of drought.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cerastium Gibraltaricum?
A: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Q: What is the best way to propagate Cerastium Gibraltaricum?
A: The plant can be propagated by division in the spring or by taking softwood cuttings in the summer.
Q: How long does Cerastium Gibraltaricum bloom?
A: The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, usually for a period of two to three weeks.
Related Plants
- Cerastium alpinum
- Cerastium arvense
- Cerastium biebersteinii
- Cerastium fontanum
References
- “Cerastium gibraltaricum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279945&isprofile=0&basic=Cerastium%20gibraltaricum.
- “Cerastium gibraltaricum.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/126702/.
- “Cerastium gibraltaricum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/250711/Cerastium-gibraltaricum/Details.
