Sagina sabulata (Irish Moss) is a popular groundcover plant that is native to temperate regions of Europe. Irish Moss is a low-growing, moss resembling perennial that produces white flowers and is often used to decorate temperate gardens or as a lawn substitute.
Suitable for Temperate regions.
Sagina sabulata is native to most of Europe, from Iceland down to Spain and from the British Isles across to Romania. It is also commonly known as Heath Pearlwort, Awl-Leaf, Scottish Moss, Pearlwort, Lawn Spurrey, Lawn Pearlwort and Scotch Moss.
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Growth
Sagina sabulata is an evergreen perennial that grows no higher than 10cm (4 inches) but can spread indefinitely. Irish Moss forms a thick, dense mat which resembles moss and can be used as an attractive substitute for lawn. The flowers are up to 5 mm in diameter, with five white petals upon erect stems up to 4 cm long.
Irish Moss enjoys cooler temperate locations with moist soil that doesn’t become waterlogged. Foliage can wilt in temperatures above 25°C/77°F so it is not recommended for warmer climates or in temperate regions that experience extremely hot summer days.
In the right conditions, Irish Moss can start to produce flowers in around 120 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Caryophyllaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-25°C / 14-77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 10cm (4 inches)
WIDTH:
Unlimited
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
100-120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 12-15°C / 55-62°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 40000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT SAGINA SABULATA (Irish Moss)
Throughout the British Isles Sagina sabulata is mainly found in Scotland, the Lake District, Wales, the Southwest and South of England and along the coasts of western Ireland. This evergreen perennial is natively found in dry, open places such as banks and grassy slopes near coastal areas.
Sagina sabulata is widely popular landscaping plant used in temperate gardens around the world. Although the name suggests otherwise, the plant only resembles moss.
For more information about caring for Irish Moss click here.
