Irish Moss

By: C. Colston Burrell
Irish moss is a low-growing plant that forms small white blossoms.

This plant looks so much like moss that most people cannot be convinced otherwise -- until it blooms. The tiny white flowers, though, are proof that this rock garden miniature is not even related to moss, which are primitive plants that never bloom.

Description of Irish moss: Irish moss makes a dense, bright green mat of tiny leaves and tiny stems. Its tiny white flowers are borne singly but are often numerous enough to nearly cover the plant. Ease of care: Easy.

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Growing Irish moss: Irish moss grows best in full sun to light shade and in good, well-drained soil. With time, one plant forms an attractive carpet of greenery. Occasionally, growth becomes crowded, pushing sections of the carpet upward. If you consider this less attractive, cut out a slice of the plant and push down until the roots are in contact with the soil. Any empty space resulting from this surgery will be quickly filled with greenery.

Propagating Irish moss: Cut out sections and press down in moderately moist soil.

Uses for Irish moss: Irish moss makes an elegant and attractive rock garden plant, forming a cushion of greenery in even the shallowest soil or the narrowest of cracks as long as it is not allowed to entirely dry out. It can also be planted between stepping stones or in cracks in pavement since it can tolerate some foot traffic.

Irish moss related species: A similar plant, Arenaria verna, is also called Irish moss. When not in bloom, the two look virtually identical. Even when flowering, they are similar, although Arenaria verna bears its flowers in small clusters. Both have golden green forms (Arenaria verna Aurea and Sagina subulata Aurea) often called Scotch moss.

Scientific name of Irish moss: Sagina subulata

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Want more information? Visit the following articles:

  • Rock Garden Plants: Learn which flowers and plans work best in rock gardens.
  • Gardening: Want gardening basics – start here with our guide to gardening.
  • Rock Gardens: We answer all your questions about rock gardens.
  • Garden Types: Learn about the various types of gardens, and which is right for you.

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