Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous Perennial

Stellaria graminea

lesser stitchwort

A perennial with brittle, slender shoots arising from a creeping rootstock, bearing narrowly lance-shaped leaves and loose sprays of starry white flowers 6-10cm across in late spring and summer

Other common names
lesser chickweed
small starwort
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Stellaria can be annuals or herbaceous perennials, with slender stems bearing simple, opposite leaves and terminal cymes of white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist, but well-drained soil in full sun. Grow in a wild garden or meadow to accomodate its spreading habit

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring in a cold frame or cold greenhouse. Once large enough to handle, prick out into individual pots and plant out in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.