Product Description
Sagina subulata
Common Name: Irish Moss or Pearlwort
Zones 4 to 9.
Full sun to part shade.
Plants reach 1 inch tall and 6 to 12 inches wide;
very low moss-like ground cover.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Evergreen groundcover spreads slowly to form a dense, very low moss-like carpet of bright shamrock-green feathery foliage. Tiny white flowers appear in late spring to summer.
Tolerant of sandy or rocky soil, Sagina needs regular moisture, but detest both drought and soggy wet soils. Do not plant in a hot, dry location as this shallow-rooted plant may require daily watering in hot, dry weather.
Sagina subulata 'Irish Moss', also known as Heath Pearlwort or simply Irish Moss, is a delightful little plant that forms a lush, emerald-green carpet, resembling a bed of moss. It is a popular choice for adding texture and color to various garden settings.
- Emerald Green Foliage: This variety features vibrant, emerald-green foliage composed of tiny, needle-like leaves. It creates a dense, low-growing mat that adds a soft, lush texture to gardens.
- Delicate Flowers: In late spring to early summer, 'Irish Moss' produces small, star-shaped white flowers that rise slightly above the foliage, adding a touch of delicate charm.
- Versatile: This groundcover is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways, such as filling in gaps between stepping stones, creating a soft carpet in rock gardens, edging pathways, or even spilling over the edges of containers.
Growing Tips:
- Sunlight: While it can tolerate some shade, 'Irish Moss' thrives in full sun to part shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Water: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Hardiness: 'Irish Moss' is hardy in USDA zones 4-7, tolerating cold winters and moderate summers.
- Maintenance: This groundcover is relatively low-maintenance. You can trim it back lightly if it starts to spread beyond its desired area.
Design Ideas:
- Between Stepping Stones: 'Irish Moss' softens the look of hardscaping and adds a touch of whimsy to pathways.
- Rock Gardens: Its bright green color and fine texture create a beautiful contrast with rocks and other alpine plants.
- Containers: Use it as a "spiller" plant in containers to add a touch of vibrant color and texture.
- Fairy Gardens: Its small scale and moss-like texture make it perfect for creating miniature landscapes.
- Lawn Substitute: In some cases, 'Irish Moss' can even be used as a low-maintenance lawn substitute for small areas with light foot traffic.
Ten (10) plants in 4.5-inch containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
