Ground coverSagina subulata
Irish Moss
Irish moss is a charming, moss-like ground cover that forms a soft, bright green cushion. Despite the name, it is not a moss but a flowering plant. In June and July, countless tiny white star-shaped flowers appear above the fine foliage carpet. The plant is ideal between stepping stones, in Japanese gardens, or as a small-scale lawn replacement.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 2–5 cm
- Spread
- 20–30 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Irish moss does not tolerate prolonged drought — keep the soil evenly moist. Regular watering is essential in full sun. Feeding is barely needed; a thin layer of compost in spring is sufficient.
Pruning tips
Irish moss needs virtually no pruning. Remove any brown or dead patches and fill them with pieces from adjacent growth. If the carpet becomes too thick, divide in spring and replant the sections. Prevent leaf litter from accumulating on the carpet.
Good companions
Ground coverAjuga reptans
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a robust ground cover that spreads rapidly through runners. From April to June, dense spikes of blue-purple flowers rise above the dark green, glossy foliage. The plant is evergreen and forms a continuous carpet within a single growing season.
Ground coverThymus serpyllum
Wild Thyme
Wild thyme is a creeping, aromatic ground cover that forms a dense carpet of pink-purple flowers in summer. The plant grows only a few centimetres tall but spreads gracefully, making it ideal between paving stones, on walls, or as a lawn replacement in dry spots. Every step on the carpet releases a delightful thyme fragrance.
Bulbs & tubersMuscari armeniacum
Grape Hyacinth
Grape hyacinths are charming, small bulbs that produce dense clusters of cobalt-blue, bell-shaped flowers in March and April. They release a light, sweet fragrance and naturalise effortlessly, returning in ever-larger groups each year. Ideal for naturalising in lawns, under trees, or as edging along paths.