Sagina 'Irish Moss'

Sagina subulata: Cushioning Green with Moss-Like Grace

Soft, lush, and perfectly suited to detailed spaces, Sagina subulata—often called Irish Moss—is a compact groundcover that creates a dense, emerald-green mat of fine, moss-like foliage. Its low, mounding habit brings a natural, woodland texture to crevice gardens, stone pathways, or container edges. In late spring, tiny white star-shaped flowers appear like scattered pearls, adding quiet charm without overwhelming its neat form. Cool and calming, this tidy ground-hugger adds a living carpet of green to the garden’s smallest and most intimate spaces.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 2–5 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm, slowly expanding
• Flower Colour: White
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Bright green, moss-like, soft and finely textured
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; dislikes drought and heat

Uses and Benefits: Irish Moss excels in rock gardens, between paving stones, and as a living mulch at the front of borders or around stepping paths. Its rich green colour and soft texture contrast beautifully with bolder foliage and blooms. Best in cool, moist sites, it offers visual softness, weed suppression, and a refined finishing touch in small-scale plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair Sagina subulata with Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' for upright purple-blue flower spikes that bring vibrant vertical contrast. Add Dianthus 'Neon Star' for bold magenta-pink blooms and fragrant silver-blue foliage. Complete the vignette with Festuca glauca 'Boulder Blue', whose tidy mounds of icy blue blades echo the cool tones and add striking texture.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in evenly moist, well-drained soil. Avoid drought or overly dry sites, as plants prefer cooler conditions and consistent moisture. Lightly trim after flowering to keep the mat tidy. In hot summers, provide afternoon shade and water during dry spells to maintain its fresh appearance.

History: Native to cool climates in Europe and coastal regions, Sagina subulata has long been used in ornamental gardens for its moss-like habit and elegant form. It remains a favourite in miniature and alpine gardens for its versatility and low-profile beauty.

Final Thoughts: With its soft green texture and starry white blooms, Sagina subulata adds a gentle, grounding presence—turning paths, pots, and rock gardens into miniature tapestries of living green.