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Plant Encyclopedia
perennial

Irish Moss

Sagina subulata

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Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) at The Green Spot Home & Garden

Irish Moss

Irish Moss

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) at The Green Spot Home & Garden

Irish Moss foliage

Irish Moss foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) at The Green Spot Home & Garden

Irish Moss

Irish Moss

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  1 inch

Spread:  12 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3b

Ornamental Features

Irish Moss features tiny white star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from mid spring to mid summer. Its tiny needle-like leaves emerge light green in spring, turning emerald green in colour the rest of the year.

Landscape Attributes

Irish Moss is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spreading

Irish Moss is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Irish Moss will grow to be only 1 inch tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Rock  Edging  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Flowers  Texture 
Ornamental Features

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