Species Irish moss

Irish moss

Sagina subulata

Also Known As - pearlwort
Irish moss (Sagina subulata) is a bright green, low-growing perennial plant found in temperate areas of western Europe, the United States, and Canada. It has bright green foliage and forms a lovely carpet of tightly-packed, moss-like shoots. The small white flowers of Irish moss appear in summer and attract butterflies and bees. Its evergreen foliage adds texture and color to gardens year-round. Irish moss is incredibly easy to grow in moist, well-draining soil and prefers partial shade. It is a great choice for rock gardens, filling in crevices in pathways, and as an edging plant.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3

Flowers:

Showy, White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Irish moss should be watered lightly two to three times a week, depending on temperatures and humidity levels. Soil should not be soggy, but slightly damp. Because this plant is incredibly drought tolerant, you can let the soil dry out between waterings. In the summer, water it more often if the weather is hot and dry. In the winter, however, slow your watering down until the winter rainy season starts.

sunlight

Irish moss need full sun for at least 4 to 6 hours a day. They appreciate some protection from the intense afternoon sun of summer months, so either morning sun or light shade in the afternoons would be ideal. They can even do better if provided with some midday shade. Irish moss thrives best in cooler climates, so they will do better in regions with mild summers.

pruning

Irish moss should be pruned yearly anytime from late spring to early summer. To prune, gently snip away any dead or weak stems to encourage new growth and provide room for the new growth. Pruning should be done to maintain shape and symmetry and should never be done beyond a quarter of the overall height of the plant. Any pruned foliage should be removed to help maintain healthy air circulation around the mature foliage.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Irish moss typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Sagina subulata (Irish moss) typically begins in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Irish moss typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Sagina subulata (Irish moss) typically begins in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map