Dont worry about treadling lightly onIrish moss(Sagina subulata).
Despite its name, Irish moss is a member of the carnation (Caryophyllaceae) family.
It is evergreen in many climates and bears dainty white flowers in spring that emit a light fragrance.
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It grows just about 1 inch tall and will readily self-sow if you let it.
In the average home lawn and landscape, however, it is quite easy to remove.
In small yards, it can even be used as a lawn substitute.
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Its delicate, ferny foliage is also a favorite for fairy gardens or dish gardens.
For a faster cover, plant them closer together.
Light
In cool climates, select a full-sun planting site.
Soil and Water
Irish moss grows best in evenly moist, rich, well-drained soil.
In water-logged soil, it is likely to fail.
Irish moss is more finicky about water than it is about soil.
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In the summer or in warmer, drier climates, it is likely to need watering every few days.
To maximize hydration, water in the morning when the sun is lower.
Temperature and Humidity
Irish moss thrives in cool environments with a temperature between 55- and 65-degrees Fahrenheit.
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It is not frost tolerant.
Fertilizer
Irish moss needs little (if any) fertilizer.
If your soil lacks nutrients, apply a slow-release fertilizer once in the spring.
Credit: Matthew Benson
following product label instructions.
Avoid fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.
Too much nitrogen can cause irregular, leggy growth.
If unwanted sections appear due to self-seeding, simply pull them up and trim away any stray growth.
With container-grown Irish moss, it is best to water from the base of your plant.
This will help prevent fungal diseases and pests.
Add fresh soil to the new container, moisten it, and place the plant in the fresh soil.
Add additional soil around the edges if necessary.
Keep the soil evenly moist for at least 2 weeks after repotting or until the plant is re-established.
If you spot slugs, remove them by hand or steer them away with organic slug bait.
Powdery mildew and fungal diseases are also common when Irish moss is over or under-watered.
How to Propagate Irish Moss
The easiest ways to propagate Irish moss is via seed or division.
Sprinkle the dust-like seeds on the surface of the soil and do not cover them.
Keep the seeds in an area with bright, indirect light that stays between 65- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the soil consistently moist.
The seeds should begin to germinate in 2 to 3 weeks.
Replant each section and water the newly planted patch well.
Keep the new sections evenly moist until new growth emerges.
It withstands light foot traffic and grows to 1 foot tall or less.
It forms a dense carpet of neon-yellow foliage and features tiny star-shape flowers in the spring.
They are easy to maintain once established and will provide a dramatic backdrop for your low-growing Irish moss.
Foamflower
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) is flowering perennial thatlike Irish mossthrives in partial sun.
It is hardy in zones 3-9 and features pink or white blossoms that typically last 4 to 6 weeks.
Foamflower is easy to cultivate and there are several shapes and cultivars to choose from.
Creeping Thyme
If you are looking to vary your groundcovers, considercreeping thyme.
Its a close relative to thecommon culinary thyme(so it is beautifully fragrant) and easy to maintain.
Creeping thyme is hardy in zones 4-9 and thrives in full to partial sun.
Let it fill the sunnier spots of your landscape while Irish moss occupies the cooler, shadier areas.
Coral Bells
Coral bellsprove that gorgeous gardens arent always green.
They are hardy in zones 3-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is possible, but you will need to put in extra work.
Replace the soil and repot every 3 to 4 years.
Irish moss forms a dense carpet, but it is not impervious to weeds.
Check the area to see if there are weeds or grass competing for space.
Irish moss makes a lovely, lush addition to a terrarium and needs little maintenance once established.
