Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer
Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer
A Silver Carpet Topped With Snow-White Flowers
Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum 'Yo Yo') forms a low, spreading mat of soft, woolly silver-gray foliage that erupts in a blanket of crisp white star flowers in late spring — like a dusting of snow in early summer. Tough, drought-loving, and deer-resistant, it thrives in hot, dry, well-drained spots where many plants struggle. A bright silver-and-white groundcover for sunny slopes, rock gardens, and wall tops in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cerastium tomentosum 'Yo Yo' |
| Mature Size | 6–8 in. tall, 12–18 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring into early summer |
| Flower Color | Crisp white |
| Soil | Well-drained, even dry and sandy; rots in wet clay |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F with good drainage |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — woolly foliage deters deer and rabbits |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Sunny slopes and rock gardens: Its silver mat spills beautifully over walls, edges, and rocky slopes, holding soil in hot, dry spots. Space 12–15 inches apart.
Silver-foliage accents: The woolly gray leaves stay attractive all season and set off brighter flowers. Pair with dianthus, sedum, and creeping thyme.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall. Sharp drainage is essential — avoid wet, heavy soil, especially over winter.
How to Plant Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth. Amend heavy clay with grit or coarse sand for drainage. Set the crown slightly high, backfill, water in lightly, and mulch with gravel — keep mulch off the crown. Space 12–15 inches apart.
Watering Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer
First year: Water sparingly — every 5–7 days while establishing, letting the soil dry between. Keep it dry heading into fall.
After year one: Very drought-tolerant — water only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering and wet soil are its main enemies.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 3 with sharp drainage; wet winter soil is the main risk, so plant it on a slope or in gritty soil.
Q: Does it spread?
It spreads to form a silver mat. Shear it back after blooming to keep it tidy and prevent it from sprawling too far.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — the woolly silver foliage is disliked by deer and rabbits.
Q: Why is the foliage silver?
Fine woolly hairs give it a silvery look and help it conserve moisture in hot, dry sites.
You May Also Like
Firewitch Dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus): A fragrant pink for the same dry, sunny spots.
Sedum: A drought-tough succulent groundcover partner.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus): A fragrant groundcover for sunny, well-drained edges.
How Many Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer Do I Need?
Space plants 12–15 in apart on a sunny, well-drained slope or wall top. Plan on roughly 0.8 plants per square foot.
| Area to Cover | Plants Needed (~12–15 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 10 sq ft | ~8 |
| 20 sq ft | ~16 |
| 40 sq ft | ~32 |
Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: The woolly silver-gray mat fills out and erupts in a blanket of crisp white star flowers in late spring.
- Summer: Shear off spent blooms to keep the silver foliage tidy; it stays attractive in the heat.
- Fall: The drought-tough silver mat holds its color into autumn.
- Winter: Persists with sharp drainage — hardy to -30°F, but wet winter soil is the main risk.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Kahori Dianthus — fragrant pink blooms to pop against the silver mat.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — a drought-tough succulent partner for late-season color.
- Variegated Kamtschaticum Sedum — a low spreading sedum for the same dry, sunny edges.
- Fire Spinner Ice Plant — vivid succulent blooms to contrast the silver foliage.
Is Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer Right for Your Yard?
Yo Yo Snow-in-Summer is the bright silver carpet for hot, dry, full-sun slopes, rock gardens, and wall tops with sharp drainage. It's not a fit for wet or heavy clay, where it rots over winter — plant it high and gritty, and shear it after bloom to keep it tidy.