Sagina Description and Cultural Information

Sagina subulata, Irish moss. 3 - 4". Irish moss is a dense, tufted groundcover with tiny, deep green leaves and small white flowers in the summer. It spreads by creeping stems to form a soft, mounded, mossy carpet. The variety 'Aurea', Scotch moss, has yellow-green foliage.

How to Grow:  Contrary to their common name, Sagina is not technically a moss and actually prefers to be grown in part sun to part shade in rich soil that is consistently moist but very well-drained. Plants will wither away if grown in the shade and they can burn in too much sun or if they dry out too much, plus they will rot if they are excessively wet. Plants can easily be divided by cutting or pulling them apart but if they are happy where they are growing they are usually better left undisturbed.

Landscape uses:  Irish and Scotch moss work well between stepping stones or in the rock garden, or plant an inviting carpet in front of a garden bench. They will tolerate some foot traffic so long as they are happy where they are planted.