Botanical Name: Paronychia kapela ssp. serpyllifolia
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Common Name: Silver Nailwort  
Plant photo of: Paronychia kapela ssp. serpyllifolia
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

n/a

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cascade, Filler, Lawn Alternative

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Native to the Pyrenees of southern Europe, Paronychia is a tough-as-nails groundcover that very closely resembles Creeping Thyme. However, it has been found to be more xeric and is a good alternative to white-flowered thyme. It is resistant to fungal diseases of the stems and foliage and is very tolerant of dry winter conditions. Blooming in late spring, the flowers are insignificant, but the white bracts light up the plant for several months. Leaves turn yellow to orange in cool weather. 1 inch tall and 18 inches wide.
Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Is rabbit resistant. Tolerates light foot traffic and so is well suited for use between flagstones in a path. Zones 4-8.