Do n’t vex about treadling lightly onIrish moss(Sagina subulata ) . The traffic - well-disposed ground cover is a saucy selection for blanketing the background around flagstones or along the edges of gravel paths where plants sometimes struggle to maturate . What ’s more , the handsome , succulent , deep green foliage organize a soft , cushy mat that bound back from occasional equipment casualty .
Despite its name , Irish moss is a member of the carnation ( Caryophyllaceae ) home . It is evergreen in many climates and bear dainty white prime in spring that emit a light fragrance . It uprise just about 1 column inch tall and will readily self - sow if you let it . In fact , many golf game trend professionals , glasshouse growers , and greenhouse managers consider Irish moss ( also fuck as pearlywort ) a flake underweight . When pearlwort down up in turf grass and other unexpected smear in nurseries and nursery , it ’s sometimes problematic to eradicate . In the average nursing home lawn and landscape painting , however , it is quite easy to remove .
Where to Plant Irish Moss
Plant Irish moss in full sun ( in cool climates ) or somewhat shady blot where you want walkable belt of green . In small yard , it can even be used as a lawn substitute . Too much shade may make Irish moss to grow leggy ; however , in warmer climates , afternoon shade may be a welcome rest period .
Irish moss is perfect for creating a barefoot - favorable route or for work up a soft carpet of evergreen coloring among the raspy - and - spill boulders of rock gardens . Its delicate , ferny foliage is also a ducky for fairy gardens or stunner garden . For a stunning impression , set it in a till ( stock cooler ) or container planting and let it slowly creep to cover the open soil .
How and When to Plant Irish Moss
Plant Irish moss plugs or transplants in natural spring or other summer . Prepare the soil of your planting location by working some compost into the top 6 inches of soil and watering it until it is equally moist . Using your hands or a trowel , dig a hole just prominent enough for each stopper and just late enough to accommodate the root system . Fill in the grunge around the quid and keep the ground evenly moist ( but not wet ) for at least 2 week after plant .
If you require to cover a large area , collect several flora , and situate them 8 to 10 inches apart . In ideal conditions , they will grow together to mold a carpet of people of colour in just a couple of seasons . For a faster cover song , set them closer together .
Irish Moss Care Tips
Irish moss is a low - maintenance groundcover that grows easily in sunny and partially shady areas with moist , well - drain soil . It ’s also soft on the feet , pleasing to the eye , and sodding for planting in fleck where grass wo n’t farm .
Light
In cool climates , select a full - sun planting site . In warmer climates ( zones 7 and above ) , plant Irish moss in a spot that experience sunup sun and good afternoon nuance .
Soil and Water
Irish moss grows estimable in evenly moist , deep , well - drained soil . In piss - log soil , it is likely to fail . If your grime is poor , arenaceous , loamy , or chalky , consideramending it with constitutional matterbefore implant your Irish moss .
Irish moss is more fussy about water than it is about soil . It is not drouth - large-minded , so aim to keep the soil systematically moist , but not so wet that the roots stay soggy . In a wet climate ( like the Pacific Northwest ) , Irish moss may not need much supplemental watering during the rainy season . In the summer or in warmer , drier climates , it is likely to ask tearing every few day . To maximise hydration , urine in the morning when the sun is lower .
Temperature and Humidity
Irish moss thrive in cool environments with a temperature between 55- and 65 - degrees Fahrenheit . It is not hoar tolerant . It permit relatively high humidness ( 60 % to 80 % ) when temperatures continue cool , but extended periods of spicy , humid weather are potential to cause brown . If you live in a hot , humid mood , do n’t be surprised if your Irish moss exit out in the heat energy of summertime .
If you are growing Irish moss in a container , bring in your container in whenever the thermometer dips below 30 degrees Fahrenheit or climbs above 80 grade .
Fertilizer
Irish moss needs niggling ( if any ) plant food . If your soil miss nutrients , apply a dense - firing fertilizer once in the spring . fall out product label instructions . Avoid fertilizers with a eminent atomic number 7 depicted object . Too much nitrogen can cause irregular , tall-growing growth .
Pruning
It is not necessary to dress Irish moss , but you may trim boisterous areas with scissor hold to keep the plane section seem goodly . you’re able to also remove area that are yellowing or cut off out old brown eyepatch to make way for new growth . If undesirable sections appear due to ego - seeding , merely commit them up and clip away any isolated growth .
Potting and Repotting
Irish moss grow good in shallow containers where the roots wo n’t have to struggle for moisture and nutrients . With container - grown Irish moss , it is best to water from the base of your plant life . Set it in a tray of H2O and provide the moisture to absorb through the drainage holes into the soil . This will aid foreclose fungal diseases and pest .
Repot your Irish moss every 2 to 3 years or when it ’s clear that the roots are outgrowing the pot . To do so , still the plant life from its container and use your fingers to lightly loosen up the roots and shake some of the grease free . Add novel dirt to the new container , moisten it , and place the plant in the reinvigorated soil . Add extra soil around the edge if necessary . Keep the land evenly moist for at least 2 week after repotting or until the flora is re - established .
Pests and Problems
Irish moss is n’t plagued by many pests , but punch are often draw to the plush foliage . If you spot slugs , remove them by hand or guide them by with constitutive slug sweetener . Powdery mildew and fungal diseases are also vulgar when Irish moss is over or under - watered .
Indoor and container - grown Irish moss may have yield with aphids , mealy microbe , thrips , and spider mites from meter to clip .
How to Propagate Irish Moss
The well-heeled room to propagate Irish moss is via seed or air division . If you care to maturate Irish moss from semen , you may set out them indoors at any meter or outdoors in the fountain after the danger of frost has passed ( just watch out for hungry fowl ) . Sprinkle the dust - alike seeds on the surface of the stain and do not cover them . Keep the seed in an orbit with shining , collateral brightness level that stays between 65- and 75 - point Fahrenheit . Keep the grime systematically moist . The seeds should begin to germinate in 2 to 3 week . Harden off your Irish moss seedling for approximately 7 days and then transplant them outside after the danger of frost has passed .
To divide your Irish moss , wait until former bounce after the plant life has had at least one full time of year of growth . Use a power shovel or trowel to lift a lump of your moss and separate the thumping into 2 or 3 sections — each with a good identification number of origin attached . Replant each department and water system the newly planted patch well . Keep the new sections evenly moist until new development issue .
Types of Irish Moss
Sagina Subulata ‘Pearlwort’
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‘ Pearlwort ’ is a traditional Irish moss cultivar that develop bright green with a soft texture and tiny whitened flowers in the spring and summer ( in zones 4 - 8) . It hold out clear understructure traffic and develop to 1 foot improbable or less .
Sagina Subulata ‘Aurea’
Although many people use the terms “ Scotch ” and “ Irish ” interchangeably when cite toSagina sublatavarieties , this case of groundcover is more ordinarily bring up to as Scotch or Scottish moss . It forms a dense carpeting of Ne - xanthous leafage and sport tiny star - embodiment flowers in the spring .
Irish Moss Companion Plants
Hosta
If you take a showy plant that will fare well in the understory of tree , ahostais a classical choice . They are easy to uphold once set up and will provide a striking backdrop for your low - growing Irish moss .
Foamflower
Foamflower ( Tiarella cordifolia ) is flower perennial that — like Irish moss — boom in fond sun . It is hardy in zones 3 - 9 and feature pink or white peak that typically last 4 to 6 week . Foamflower is easy to cultivate and there are several shape and cultivars to opt from .
Creeping Thyme
If you are looking to change your groundcovers , considercreeping thyme . It ’s a close congeneric to thecommon culinary thyme(so it is beautifully fragrant ) and light to maintain . creep thyme is hardy in zones 4 - 9 and flourish in full to partial sun . Let it fill the cheery spots of your landscape painting while Irish moss fill the cooler , louche field .
Coral Bells
Coral bellsprove that gorgeous gardens are n’t always green . This recurrent grow well just about anywhere and features foliation in a wide variety of colour including yellow , peach , purple , chartreuse , copper , and immature . They are stalwart in zones 3 - 9 .
Frequently Asked Questions
It is potential , but you will necessitate to put in special study . Irish moss thrives in cool environs and most indoor spaces are too quick and ironic for the perennial to survive . If you wish to try , place your moss in a shallow container with photograph to bright , indirect light . Keep the soil evenly , consistently moist and verify your moss is not placed near any vents , oestrus informant , or fireplaces . utilise the bottom - up method acting of watering by submerging the base of the container in water and lease the radical soak in the necessary moisture . Fertilize your indoor Irish moss once or twice a calendar month in the saltation and summer and once every 6 weeks in the fall and wintertime . Replace the soil and repot every 3 to 4 eld .
Irish moss forms a impenetrable carpet , but it is not impervious to weeds . Check the area to see if there are weeds or locoweed competing for space . Brown and bare spots may also be a mark of discrepant watering , pet urination , over impregnation , or too much vulnerability to sun . Check for these issues and then meet in unfinished musca volitans by planting additional plugs or by dividing your existing Irish moss plant . Do this in the spring and the moss should spread to occupy in the barren spots over the next several hebdomad .
Yes ! Irish moss makes a endearing , lush addition to a terrarium and needs niggling maintenance once established .
Credit:weisschr / Getty Images
Credit:weisschr / Getty Images
Credit: David Nevala
Credit: David McDonald
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