How to Care for Irish Moss
Irish moss, also known as Scotch moss or Sabina subulata, is a flowering perennial commonly grown as a ground cover because of its short, dense growth habit. The plant naturally self-seeds and can rapidly spread to cover an entire lawn in only a few years. Irish moss blooms during spring and summer, producing small, white flowers. Native to Europe, Irish moss is hardy in planting zones 4 through 10 and thrives in most regions of the U.S. with minimal care.
Plant Irish moss in a location that receives light to moderate shade throughout the day. Choose a site that consists of moist, well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth. Space Irish moss plants 6 to 10 inches apart.
- Irish moss, also known as Scotch moss or Sabina subulata, is a flowering perennial commonly grown as a ground cover because of its short, dense growth habit.
- Plant Irish moss in a location that receives light to moderate shade throughout the day.
Water once every five days during the first two months of growth to help establish the plant. Reduce watering frequency thereafter to once every week to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Do not water during winter, when the plant is not actively growing.
Fertilize Irish moss once every other month using a complete 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer. Water both before and after applying to prevent root burn and release the nutrients into the soil. Apply according to the manufacturer's directions for the best results.
Prolong the blooming season by removing faded and dead Irish moss flowers as soon as possible. Pinch off the flowers near their point of origin and a new blossom will form within a few days to replace it.
- Water once every five days during the first two months of growth to help establish the plant.
- Prolong the blooming season by removing faded and dead Irish moss flowers as soon as possible.
Irish Moss Problems
Also known as Corsican pearlwort or Scotch moss, Irish moss (Sagina subulata) is a perennial ground cover notable for its tight, low growth habit, emerald green foliage and pristine white flowers, which appear in the spring. It generally grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. Irish moss is generally a trouble-free, durable plant, though like any plant, it is susceptible to a few pests and cultural problems. Irish moss is picky about moisture. If over-watered, the plant may rot. Don't allow the soil to dry out. Weeds and grass can occasionally break through the tightly growing moss, threatening the health of the plant and disrupting the overall aesthetic. Disease in Irish moss is rare.
- Also known as Corsican pearlwort or Scotch moss, Irish moss (Sagina subulata) is a perennial ground cover notable for its tight, low growth habit, emerald green foliage and pristine white flowers, which appear in the spring.
- Irish moss is generally a trouble-free, durable plant, though like any plant, it is susceptible to a few pests and cultural problems.
Tip
Increase frequency of watering to once every five days during periods of drought.
Warning
Do not walk or step on Irish moss. Though it can survive minor abuse, excessive trampling can result in the death of the plant.
Related Articles
References
- Texas A&M University Department of Horticulture: Irish Moss
- University of Illinois Groundcovers to Know and Use: Scotch Moss
- “Perennial Ground Covers”; David MacKenzie; 2002
- Bluestone Perennials: Sagina Subulata
- Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture: Sagina Subulata
Tips
- Increase frequency of watering to once every five days during periods of drought.
Warnings
- Do not walk or step on Irish moss. Though it can survive minor abuse, excessive trampling can result in the death of the plant.
Writer Bio
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe's work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.
