Photo of Sagina subulata flower, foliage, form by Little Prince of Oregon

Photo by Little Prince of Oregon

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Sagina subulata

Also Known As

  • Irish Moss

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

  • H: 1"-2"
  • W: 6"-24"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Sagina subulata plant details

Sagina subulata is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial groundcover with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sagina subulata

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: caryophyllaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 24 IN - wide, 1 IN - 2 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, miniature, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sagina subulata

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Zn 4. Small white flowers. Dense green carpet. Sagina subulata, known as Irish Moss, features dark green, moss-like foliage that makes a soft, rolling carpet of lush greenery. Tiny white flowers cover the plant in early summer. Plant in any moist, well-drained soil with regular water. May need afternoon shade in very hot climates. Irish Moss is a great choice for lush groundcover or planted between stepping stones. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
This plant grows into a charming, lush carpet of woodland green. Small, star-shaped, white flowers will bloom in profusion in spring. Ideal as a groundcover, terrific between rocks and stones. Great for over-planting perennials, or around ponds or pools. Tolerates heavy foot traffic (3 or more times daily).
We have tested with this moss for years before being comfortable in offering it as a solid miniature garden plant. It makes a great lawn substitute and the tiny little flowers in late spring are just so cute. See the right-most photos for a picture of it in the miniature garden. Irish moss will not tolerate hot, dry conditions but will tolerate some poor soil. It's best grown in a spot with mid-day shade. When it's contained on all sides in a pot, it will get more dense. In ground it will gradually mound and you'll have your own miniature grassy knoll. Divide every couple of years in late winter, when the moss has nowhere left to grow and gets rootbound, it will start to brown. *Photo shows summer growth.* Full sun to part sun. Damp soil, don’t let it dry out completely. Little white flowers bloom in late spring. Green matt can look like a lush lawn in miniature. Hardy zones 4 - 7 or to -30 °F. Heat zones 7 - 1
One of the best for a mini lawn or meadow. Tiny white flowers in summer. Needs a moist, well drained area in full sun in cooler summers, light shade in hot summer areas. Good lawn substitute in areas with minimal foot traffic. Big photo shows use as lawn next to a miniature house. Small photo shows shipping size and spring color.
Grown for its dense, mounded, bright green foliage than can form a soft, mossy carpet. Makes a nice groundcover in small areas and can be planted between pavers. Full sun to part shade. Small, white, star-like flowers in spring. Who knew this was in the pink family and related to Dianthus and carnations? I didn't until I wrote this description! Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.
Sagina subulata is a rapid growing spreading perennial ground cover for sun to part shade, grows 2" tall by 12" wide. white flowers periodically. a true dwarf grass.

Gardening facts about Sagina subulata plant

How to Grow Sagina subulata

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • semi-evergreen
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