Herniaria glabra

RHS Plant Profile
smooth rupturewort

Other common names

burstwort, herniary, rupturewort, Turk's herb

Herbaceous Perennial

Mat-forming, trailing perennial plant to 7.5cm tall, producing a dense, evergreen, ground cover of tiny, vibrant green leaves turning bronze in winter, and little clusters of tiny green flowers, from late spring to early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen, Evergreen
Habit
Matforming, Trailing
Genus
A genus of flat, mat-forming flowering plants native mainly to Europe, Asia and Africa. The spreading, fleshy green foliage forms a thick green carpet and produces very small greenish-yellow flowers which can be difficult to see as they blend in with the foliage
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed indoors in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Remove damaged foliage in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free