Habitat

• native to southern parts of Europe and parts of Asia
• zone 4

Habit and Form

• low growing groundcover
• evergreen
• 0.5" to 1" tall
• spreading habit
• slow growth rate
• fine texture

Summer Foliage

• simple, evergreen leaves
• alternate leaf arrangement
• linear leaf shape
• 1" to 2" long
• entire leaf margin
• dark green leaf color

Autumn Foliage

• none

Flowers

• white flowers
• flowers borne in terminal racemes
• blooms in late April
• flowers are long lasting

Fruit

• not ornamentally important
  

Bark

• thin
• covered by foliage
• green

Culture

• easy to transplant
• full sun to partial shade
• pH adaptable
• prune after flowering

Landscape Use

• for flowering effect
• for early color
• for evergreen groundcover

Liabilities

• powdery mildew
• plant can become leggy open

ID Features

• green stems and leaves all year
• pure white flowers in April
• low growing
• linear leaves

Propagation

• by seed
• by cuttings

Cultivars/Varieties

'Christmas Snow' (also listed as 'Snowflake') - A notable selection, as the plant reportedly flowers twice during the season -- both in spring and fall. The plant grows 1' tall and bears lustrous green leaves.

'Little Gem' and 'Purity' - These two forms are more dwarf than the species, usually failing to exceed 6"-8" tall. The leaves are smaller, as well, but the plants produce abundant flower clusters.