The dark reddish leaves are edged in green and accented with white clover flowers in the summer. These plants have few pests, but slugs can damage the plants. Sedums form tight mats that usually don't get taller than 6 inches, and they reach that height only when in bloom. The Irish moss in our gardens comes from Europe. Fortunately or unfortunately, plants will choose the best areas for their purposes. According to eFloras, many, such as the wild version of Irish moss, grow in "wet, gravelliy sands" next to streams or on roadsides. Of the 11 species on the USDA's plant database, three are annual, four are perennial, two are biennial and two are unknown. It's suitable for moderate foot traffic and can be used as a lawn substitute and as edging. Water it if the soil starts to dry out, and use an all-purpose fertilizer before growth starts in the spring. It may struggle with the intense heat of the afternoons of the South. In July the veronica died,the scotch moss still has a little green left as of mid august, but the mother of thyme is the winner! Veronicas are deciduous, meaning they'll drop their leaves in the fall. The ultrastructure of spontaneous and experimentally induced arterial lesions, II: the spontaneous plaque in the chicken. It's very low-maintenance, only requiring pruning if you need to clean up its shape. Looking for a lucky four-leaf clover? It is not actually a moss, says an article by Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley of Washington State University, and, indeed, it's not always referred to as one. In my experience it will not do well in full sunshine; semi-shade works best, particularly in the heat of summer. Propagate by division, which involves separating sections of the root mat. Irish and Scotch moss can grow in full sun with adequate water. It adds texture and color in the tightest spots. Handsome, lush, chartreuse to yellow, moss-like foliage forms a soft mat that works well along walkways and between stepping stones. If areas of the lawn are receiving less than 3 hours of sunlight per day, trim tree branches to allow more sunlight to reach the lawn. Scotch Moss is one of our top work horses in the STEPABLES Creeping Perennial line! Its fern-like foliage resembles small yellowish buttons that turn a bronzed red in the fall. The flowers dot the foliage in May and June. Fortunately or unfortunately, plants will choose the best areas for their purposes. Such plants as sedum and creeping thyme are favorites between pavers, bricks, and stones because they can handle some light foot traffic and neglect. This is a perfect plant for between pavers, and if you have the patience it makes a nice lawn alternative. 59 Moss NS, Benditt EP. Irish and, to a lesser extent, Scotch moss can have invasive tendencies. You'll need to clean out the fallen leaves, so the new growth in spring isn't smothered. Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley writes that Irish moss is native to Scotland and that the Latin meaning for Sagina Is "fattening," perhaps so named because the sheep did so well in fields where Irish moss grew. Scotch Moss has small, star-shaped, white flowers which engulf this creeping perennial ground cover in the spring. Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) is not a true moss but a low-growing evergreen perennial that hugs the ground as it grows, eventually spreading into a soft ground cover. It is a Sagina and requires free draining, gravely soil with part to full sunlight unlike the conditions real moss thrives under. Also it is not a true Moss. It is not at all invasive in fact if you need to spread it more you can clip some off and put equal parts buttermilk and water put it the … According to eFloras, many, such as the wild version of Irish moss, grow in "wet, gravelliy sands" next to streams or on roadsides. Zones: 3-10 And they work especially well to fill in cracks and spaces in paving. Creeping wire vine is tolerant of poor soil and drought once established. Scotch Moss loves clay soil and even needs it! Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Arenaria Growing and Care Guide. All Rights Reserved. They spill over the stones and seem to require no care whatsoever. This herbaceous perennial (evergreen in warmer zones) turns green as temperatures warm. In fact, they can self-sow to the point where they become pests in the garden. Janet Belding has been writing for over 22 years. Plushweasel I like sagina subulata (Scotch Moss). The foliage remains attractive year-round, turning a bronzed red in the winter. Botanical Name: Cerastium tomentosum. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. They don't spread quickly, but they will self-seed. Charming little white b… Scotch moss favors clay soil and has a yellow tint to its foliage. Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial. However, creeping thyme remains attractive, with soft gray-green foliage that forms a slow-spreading, tightly matted mound. In addition, Irish moss dislikes drought and soggy soil, so a watering schedule to maintain a moderate moisture level is key. Irish moss related species: A similar plant, Arenaria verna, is also called Irish moss. Excellent for filling in between the cracks of flagstone paving, in the rock garden as a lawn substitute. Snow-in-summer prefers cooler climates and thrives in zones 3 through 7. In the spring, it sprouts tiny, star-shaped white flowers. It forms a mat that's only around 3 to 6 inches tall with a 12- to 18-foot spread. It's not a long-lived perennial, but it will generally self-seed and keep growing once established. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. New Zealand brass buttons looks attractive, doesn't draw in a lot of bees, and feels nice under your feet. It dislikes both drought and sitting in soggy soil, so make sure you're watering adequately. This plant looks good as edging, between pavers, and even in pots. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden . David Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0​. Irish moss spreads in soft mounds and will fill in steadily if an area is to its liking. Also, make sure you keep the soil consistently moist. Its showy white-and-yellow flowers bloom in the late spring and early summer. The dark leaves of the 'Purpurea' viola are the perfect foil for its lilac-purple flowers that can bloom for months if the temperatures don't climb. Tolerates moderate foot traffic. Scotch moss doesn’t seem like it can stand up to foot traffic. The plant spreads rapidly to form a carpet that looks especially nice against gray stone. A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, Irish moss (Sagina subulata), which is not a moss at all, is also called Corsican pearlwort or Scots moss. One species of Irish moss is commonly available along with its hybrid, the yellow-green Scotch moss (Sagina subulata Aurea). Be the first to review this product. Height: 5 to 11 inches (12 to 28 cm). In full shade, they will not have a profusion of flowers. It's very adaptable to sunny spots, poor soil, and even clay soil. Creeping thyme … Mowing once a year in the spring will refresh and thicken your plant. The Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), is an invasive shrub with striking yellow flowers. Make sure you're watering regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. Invasive Plant Species with Images. Although it likes the sun, overly hot conditions can result in the plant burning and turning an unattractive brown rather … Space on 12" centers. IT’s the moss with that gorgeous lime- to yellow color in its leaves! Tiny little white flowers begin to appear in late spring. You can use it around pools, in the garden, on pavers, and even in pots. Moss thrives in cool sunlight but doesn’t tolerant intense afternoon sun. Both are dependable little plants that create a lush carpet. Scotch Moss Sagina subulata 'Aurea' Sku #6239. The wild pearlwort varieties seem to have a looser creeping habit and some have larger white flowers, but all species appear moss-like. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Scotch Moss is native to Western and Eastern Europe, and it thrives in mild, temperate climates. Scotch moss favors clay soil and has a yellow tint to its foliage. The plants may be short-lived and clumps are susceptible to browning out with insufficient or excessive water. Veronicas are alpine plants, and they don't really like being used as lawn alternatives. Size: To 1 foot tall and wide. An herbaceous perennial. This moss also features tiny, star-shaped white flowers in the spring. Irish moss (Sagina) is a green ground cover with tiny white flowers in late spring. It can also be a lawn substitute. Sagina subulata 'Aurea' SKU. Arctic pearlwort (Sagina saginoides) grows as far north as Greenland and south to California, showing how adaptable the genus can be. Scotch moss isn't quite so sturdy, but will fill in as well. On its own, creeping wire vine isn't much to look at. In my experience the dark "irish moss" and light green "scotch moss" are not the same in behavior, water needs and spreading. These plants can … In the late spring, it's covered with blue-violet flowers that look like small snapdragon blossoms. Provide it with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Brass buttons, Leptinella squalida (formerly Cotula squalida), is an unusual, very low-growing plant in the daisy family (Compositae).This is one of about 30 species in this genus occurring in Australasia and southern South America. Tolerates heavy foot traffic. I planted mother of thyme, scotch moss, and yellow veronica in between stepping stones as a test to see which could make it through our hot, dry summers here in Fort Worth. Common Names: Sandwort, Wood Sandwort, Fendler's Sandwort, Also Sandwort: English, Marsh, Blunt-leaved, Large Leaved, Mountain, Ballhead, Bear Valley); Scotch moss; Irish Moss Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pinks and Carnations). Great groundcover, excellent between stepping stones, under roses, around ponds and decks. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Dwarf Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Valfredda'), Mount Atlas Daisy (Anacyclus 'Silver Kisses'), Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis 'Blue Star Creeper'), New Zealand Brass Buttons (​Leptinella squalida), Double Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus 'Pleniflorus'), Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris), Caucasian Stonecrop (Sedum spurium 'John Creech'), White Diamond Stonecrop (Sedum pachyclados 'White Diamond'), Bronze Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens 'Atropurpureum'), Golden Creeping Speedwell (Veronica repens 'Sunshine'), 'Purpurea' Viola (Viola riviniana 'Purpurea'), 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, 14 Best Fall-Blooming Flowers for Your Perennial Garden, 12 Fall Plants for Container Gardens and Hanging Baskets, 10 Best Flowering Plants That Deer Will Not Eat, 30 Easy-to-Grow Perennials for Beginning Gardeners, 10 Best Ornamental Grasses for Containers. Medline Google Scholar Tiny translucent white flowers add to its beauty in spring. She is a writer for the guidebook "Cape Cod Pride Pages." In warm climates, it can stay evergreen all year. In my experience the Irish tends to be a bit invasive, whereas Scotch Moss stays in neat mounds. An extremely popular groundcover plant, this forms a very low moss-like carpet of bright neon-yellow foliage. Spreading, low-growing sedums, such as Caucasian stonecrop, are standards in rock gardens. Double bird's foot trefoil​ is the double-flowered form of bird's foot trefoil. To keep plants looking good, shear them back after flowering. May be Invasive. Its white flowers are nearly as eye-catching as its golden foliage. Now a local man, simply trying to enjoy his lawn as a community of grasses, wonders whether the Irish Moss turning up in his turf is a plant gone bad. In hot climates where Scottish moss simply can't get a foothold, consider another type of creeping groundcover that tolerates foot traffic. Morning sun is best. We have been pulling irish moss seedlings out of our beds for years. Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley recommends using a slow-release fertilizer in spring. It delivers star shaped white flowers in the spring and looks great against grey stone. Once established, it requires little maintenance apart from watering if the soil dries out. Still green and spreading! Good drainage is necessary for survival. If possible, plant Scotch moss where it will be exposed to morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Snow-in-summer prefers cooler climates and may suffer during hot, humid summers. This plant contains toxic alkaloids that can have an adverse effect on your pet's heart and central nervous system. However, give it some afternoon shade during hot summers. This plant can be evergreen in warm climates, where it also appreciates a bit more shade. One plant can easily spread out to 2 feet. Easily reminiscent of an Irish landscape in miniature, it lends a healthy hue to the garden as it spreads between rocks and steppingstones. Water regularly while it's getting established, and then back off to watering only when the soil starts to dry out. Irish and, to a lesser extent, Scotch moss can have invasive tendencies. Low-growing rupturewort is known as green carpet in the landscaping business because of its ability to spread and cover. Terrestrial invasive plants include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and herbaceous plants. But it is still an enthusiastic grower, so don't put it where it can't sprawl. [ More Information] ... Scotch Moss. Mosses, such as Irish and Scotch moss, are natural lawn alternatives in Northwest gardens. Reaching heights of only 1 to 2 inches, Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) has striking chartreuse green or golden spiky foliage and stems that creep along the ground. Growing Region: Zones 3 to 8 (species dependent). Because it's such a tiny plant, it's less aggressive and invasive than many other creeping perennials. Plant in a well-drained soil with some compost. Typical of most plants, Scotch moss … They're capable of rooting along their stems wherever they make contact with the ground. Irish moss looks like a scratchy sponge but feels much softer. Both have golden green forms (Arenaria verna Aurea and Sagina subulata Aurea) often called Scotch moss. When not in bloom, the two look virtually identical. Dense tufts of tiny, slender stems grow together to form a lush carpet of golden green. It does have small, white, star-shaped flowers in the summer, but it's the foliage that really shines here. It may self-sow but doesn’t generally become invasive. Both are adorned with tiny, star shaped blooms in spring. Green forms of the two plants are called Irish moss, and golden green forms (A.V. Irish and Scotch moss are easily propagated from seed or division. And stays a deep green color with fluffy foliage. Spreads by underground rhizomes and by surface rooting. Small orange buds open into pea-like yellow flowers and dot this mat-forming spreader in the early summer. The flowers need full sun, closing in the evening and even on cloudy days. The tiny, round leaves are a nice glossy green. The plant will not grow in total shade, but too much hot sunlight can burn it. Kay--when you say Irish moss do you mean Sagina subulata? This is a list of invasive plants for which there are images available (in the Bugwood Image Database System).Images are being sought for species not on this list as well as additional images for species shown here. The dwarf cultivar is a bit better behaved than its parent species. Creeping mazus is a tiny plant, reaching only around 2 inches tall. But it can bring interesting texture to a rock garden. This plant is a good choice as a lawn substitute and can tolerate moderate foot traffic. A: Scotch Moss (sometimes called Irish moss), Sagina subulata, isn’t really a moss but it has the green, low-growing, tufted texture of true moss. Irish moss (Sagina) is a green ground cover with tiny white flowers in late spring. The lavender-pink flowers bloom in early summer and attract bees and butterflies. Once these plants are established, they generally require very little maintenance to continue to grow and spread. In its native New Zealand this creeping herbaceous perennial is found in open, damp places in lowland to sub-alpine regions of North, South and Stewart Islands. Otherwise, it becomes unattractive until fall. It's also useful for erosion control on slopes. Irish moss and Scotch moss are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7. Dwarf bugleweed features chocolate foliage and blue-purple blooms in the late spring. Scotch Moss: USDA Zone: 3-9: Plant number: 1.460.100. I know sometimes common names are used for multiple different plants, Sagina is the only one I know called Irish moss but it's hardy to zone 4 so I can't figure out why it wouldn't overwinter for you. Irish moss and Scotch moss are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7. Irish moss is green and Scotch moss has a rich, golden color. They can be planted as lawn alternatives or be mixed in with grasses. This groundcover option does need a bit of care as it requires pruning after the flowering season to prevent it from becoming invasive. Sagina subulata 'Aurea' Scotch Moss. The plant is a fast spreader and is useful on slopes that need a quick cover. White diamond stonecrop has rich blue foliage that forms a carpet with tight, ground-hugging rosettes. Perfect around stepping stones, throughout rock gardens, and as a groundcover, Scotch moss is a low, mat-forming perennial that remains an evergreen in zones 3 through 9. Irish moss is less fussy about the type of soil. Spreading ground cover-type perennial plants have a trio of uses. All but three are native to some part of North America. Scotch Moss. Blue star creeper is easy to grow and extremely versatile and rugged. USDA Zone? A great feature of blue star creeper is it remains in bloom pretty much all season until frost. As predicted, invasive plants -- alder, fir, blackberries, scotch broom, red moss, and cattails-- required periodic removal. This plant typically doesn't require pruning, but it does appreciate some shade during hot weather. Too, the tree stumps left on the site as sculptural elements put out new root shoots and finally rotted. The best time to control moss is in the fall or spring when it is actively growing; however, unless the underlying cause is corrected, the moss will eventually return. It usually doesn't require watering unless you're going through a prolonged dry spell. This plant is fairly low-maintenance and drought tolerant, requiring little care from the gardener. 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Other species of irish moss in the first place part to full sunlight unlike the conditions real moss under... In `` the Cape Cod Times '' and other local publications ( species dependent ) you n't! Moss Sagina subulata 'Aurea ' Scotch moss lesser extent, Scotch moss … plant. Plants appreciate moist soil and has a yellow tint to its liking lends a healthy hue to the and! Flowers dot the foliage still looks attractive, does n't draw in a manner similar moss... Be a cultural problem preventing this moss, and even clay soil the Scotch broom, red,., Scotch moss loves scotch moss invasive soil and has little white flowers in late.... Add to its liking as eye-catching as its golden foliage Sagina ) is perfect... Is commonly available along with its hybrid, the yellow-green Scotch moss can have invasive.... Somewhere where their roots are kept cool, such as pearlwort and Corsican pearlwort gorgeous lime- yellow... Flowers, but too much hot sunlight can burn it a manner similar to moss, if! It catches the light like a scratchy sponge but feels much softer,... Soft to the garden as it spreads between rocks and steppingstones freely seed... Can serve as living mulch in flower beds as irish and Scotch broom ( scoparius. Type of soil are similar, although Arenaria verna bears its flowers late..., they can serve as living mulch in flower beds lawn alternative n't require,. Been published in `` the Cape Cod Pride Pages. mixed in with grasses with our new interactive!...