Easily reminiscent of an Irish landscape in miniature, it lends a healthy hue to the garden as it spreads between rocks and steppingstones. Still green and spreading! A great feature of blue star creeper is it remains in bloom pretty much all season until frost. According to eFloras, many, such as the wild version of Irish moss, grow in "wet, gravelliy sands" next to streams or on roadsides. Scotch moss favors clay soil and has a yellow tint to its foliage. Tuck them somewhere where their roots are kept cool, such as between pavers or in rock gardens or troughs. 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. Plushweasel I like sagina subulata (Scotch Moss). The Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), is an invasive shrub with striking yellow flowers. Snow-in-summer prefers cooler climates and may suffer during hot, humid summers. Scotch Moss. She has a degree in English from the University of Vermont. There are other species of sagina found in the wild that do not have ornamental use. Janet Belding has been writing for over 22 years. Both are dependable little plants that create a lush carpet. This groundcover option does need a bit of care as it requires pruning after the flowering season to prevent it from becoming invasive. 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. But what it lacks in height, it makes up for in spread, forming a dense mat that reaches around a foot. Irish moss propagates itself more easily than Scotch; it reseeds itself readily. Because it's such a tiny plant, it's less aggressive and invasive than many other creeping perennials. They turn bronze toward winter and sometimes in extreme heat. One plant can easily spread out to 2 feet. Low-growing rupturewort is known as green carpet in the landscaping business because of its ability to spread and cover. On its own, creeping wire vine isn't much to look at. 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. In the late spring, it's covered with blue-violet flowers that look like small snapdragon blossoms. All but three are native to some part of North America. 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 related species: A similar plant, Arenaria verna, is also called Irish moss. Irish moss and Scotch moss are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7. Invasive Plant Species with Images. These plants appreciate moist soil and shade in the heat of summer. Blue star creeper is easy to grow and extremely versatile and rugged. 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. Her fiction has been published in "Glimmer Train Stories." The light green is Scotch Moss and the Dark Green is Irish Moss. And they work especially well to fill in cracks and spaces in paving. And stays a deep green color with fluffy foliage. In my experience it will not do well in full sunshine; semi-shade works best, particularly in the heat of summer. Be the first to review this product. Light: Full sun. In my experience the Irish tends to be a bit invasive, whereas Scotch Moss stays in neat mounds. If you find them in places where you didn't plant them or want them, you may describe them as invasive. The wild pearlwort varieties seem to have a looser creeping habit and some have larger white flowers, but all species appear moss-like. Space on 12" centers. In fact, they can self-sow to the point where they become pests in the garden. Veronicas are alpine plants, and they don't really like being used as lawn alternatives. Irish moss is green and Scotch moss has a rich, golden color. Green forms of the two plants are called Irish moss, and golden green forms (A.V. Depending on the gardener, bugleweed is either viewed as a ground cover or a weed. Medline Google Scholar Good drainage is necessary for survival. Plant in a well-drained soil with some compost. Charming little white b… Irish moss spreads in soft mounds and will fill in steadily if an area is to its liking. Propagate by division, which involves separating sections of the root mat. Moss-like carpet of neon-yellow foliage. This plant looks good as edging, between pavers, and even in pots. These plants have few pests, but slugs can damage the plants. Aurea and S.S. Aurea) are called Scotch moss. But don't overwater, as these plants dislike soggy soil. However, give it some afternoon shade during hot summers. This plant is fairly low-maintenance and drought tolerant, requiring little care from the gardener. The site itself needed frequent tending to maintain the artist’s intent for the site. If you find them in places where you didn't plant them or want them, you may describe them as invasive. 6239. It dislikes both drought and sitting in soggy soil, so make sure you're watering adequately. They can be planted as lawn alternatives or be mixed in with grasses. Plus, because rupturewort has a deep tap root, it is extremely drought tolerant. Mosses, such as Irish and Scotch moss, are natural lawn alternatives in Northwest gardens. Once these plants are established, they generally require very little maintenance to continue to grow and spread. Bronze Dutch clover, also known as white clover and black shamrock, can give you a carpet of them. Arenaria Growing and Care Guide. Double bird's foot trefoil​ is the double-flowered form of bird's foot trefoil. But it can bring interesting texture to a rock garden. 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. In my experience the dark "irish moss" and light green "scotch moss" are not the same in behavior, water needs and spreading. They don't spread quickly, but they will self-seed. Veronicas are deciduous, meaning they'll drop their leaves in the fall. Water regularly while it's getting established, and then back off to watering only when the soil starts to dry out. Dense tufts of tiny, slender stems grow together to form a lush carpet of golden green. The ultrastructure of spontaneous and experimentally induced arterial lesions, II: the spontaneous plaque in the chicken. Creeping thyme … Size: To 1 foot tall and wide. You can use it around pools, in the garden, on pavers, and even in pots. Scotch Moss. Scotch Moss Sagina subulata 'Aurea' Sku #6239. Irish moss is less fussy about the type of soil. In warm climates, it can stay evergreen all year. Moss thrives in cool sunlight but doesn’t tolerant intense afternoon sun. Irish moss (Sagina) is a green ground cover with tiny white flowers in late spring. They can serve as living mulch in flower beds. This plant is a good choice as a lawn substitute and can tolerate moderate foot traffic. Scotch Moss: USDA Zone: 3-9: Plant number: 1.460.100. You'll need to clean out the fallen leaves, so the new growth in spring isn't smothered. One species of Irish moss is commonly available along with its hybrid, the yellow-green Scotch moss (Sagina subulata Aurea). Irish moss looks like a scratchy sponge but feels much softer. It adds texture and color in the tightest spots. This is a perfect plant for between pavers, and if you have the patience it makes a nice lawn alternative. This plant can handle occasional foot traffic. Growing Region: Zones 3 to 8 (species dependent). She has had nonfiction pieces published in "The Boston Globe," "The Cape Cod Times" and other local publications. 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 Irish moss in our gardens comes from Europe. This plant can be evergreen in warm climates, where it also appreciates a bit more shade. Fortunately or unfortunately, plants will choose the best areas for their purposes. It does have small, white, star-shaped flowers in the summer, but it's the foliage that really shines here. We have been pulling irish moss seedlings out of our beds for years. Creeping wire vine is tolerant of poor soil and drought once established. Scotch Moss is native to Western and Eastern Europe, and it thrives in mild, temperate climates. Mowing also doesn't bother it. Tiny white flowers in spring. An extremely popular groundcover plant, this forms a very low moss-like carpet of bright neon-yellow foliage. All Rights Reserved. Both have golden green forms (Arenaria verna Aurea and Sagina subulata Aurea) often called Scotch moss. 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. Too, the tree stumps left on the site as sculptural elements put out new root shoots and finally rotted. All of the thyme varieties are relatively low-growing creepers, but many seem to die out quickly. Spreading ground cover-type perennial plants have a trio of uses. Irish and, to a lesser extent, Scotch moss can have invasive tendencies. One species of Irish moss is commonly available along with its hybrid, the yellow-green Scotch moss (Sagina subulata Aurea). They spill over the stones and seem to require no care whatsoever. 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. 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. Tiny translucent white flowers add to its beauty in spring. Control of moss requires more than just killing off the existing moss in the lawn. Terrestrial (land-dwelling) Invasive Plants include non-native plants (members of the kingdom Plantae) that grow in non-aquatic habitats, including agricultural fields, rangelands, forests, urban landscapes, wildlands, and along waterways. But make sure it has good drainage because it doesn't like wet soil. Looking for a lucky four-leaf clover? Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden . Its fern-like foliage resembles small yellowish buttons that turn a bronzed red in the fall. It delivers star shaped white flowers in the spring and looks great against grey stone. Provide it with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Moss in the lawn is usually an indication that there is a deeper problem, such as compacted soil, poor drainage, low soil pH, or lack of sunlight. To keep plants looking good, shear them back after flowering. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Spreads by underground rhizomes and by surface rooting. 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. Although it likes the sun, overly hot conditions can result in the plant burning and turning an unattractive brown rather … ... Scotch Moss. This plant can be evergreen in warm climates, where it also appreciates a bit more shade. Irish moss (Sagina) is a green ground cover with tiny white flowers in late spring. 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. It is a Sagina and requires free draining, gravely soil with part to full sunlight unlike the conditions real moss thrives under. And remember, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom began life in the Northwest as good plants. These plants can … Then again, some gardeners can't grow the plants at all. They can't take much foot traffic, but they do work well to fill in gaps in rock gardens. This plant contains toxic alkaloids that can have an adverse effect on your pet's heart and central nervous system. Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial. Both Irish and Scotch Moss produce tiny flowers which develop seeds. Handsome, lush, chartreuse to yellow, moss-like foliage forms a soft mat that works well along walkways and between stepping stones. The flowers need full sun, closing in the evening and even on cloudy days. The plants may be short-lived and clumps are susceptible to browning out with insufficient or excessive water. The dark reddish leaves are edged in green and accented with white clover flowers in the summer. It usually doesn't require watering unless you're going through a prolonged dry spell. Water it if the soil starts to dry out, and use an all-purpose fertilizer before growth starts in the spring. Growing to about 6 inches tall with a 12- to 18-foot spread, the Mount Atlas daisy features fern-like, silvery gray foliage. Scotch Moss has small, star-shaped, white flowers which engulf this creeping perennial ground cover in the spring. 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. Even when flowering, they are similar, although Arenaria verna bears its flowers in small clusters. 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! It's very low-maintenance, only requiring pruning if you need to clean up its shape. According to eFloras, many, such as the wild version of Irish moss, grow in "wet, gravelliy sands" next to streams or on roadsides. Kay--when you say Irish moss do you mean Sagina subulata? This plant typically doesn't require pruning, but it does appreciate some shade during hot weather. Lab Invest. In full shade, they will not have a profusion of flowers. It may self-sow but doesn’t generally become invasive. 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. It may struggle with the intense heat of the afternoons of the South. Sustainable Practices Plant Health Care Water Conservation Case Study: Water and Fertilizer Invasive Species Responsibility. If possible, plant Scotch moss where it will be exposed to morning sunlight and afternoon shade. The lavender-pink flowers bloom in early summer and attract bees and butterflies. Irish and, to a lesser extent, Scotch moss can have invasive tendencies. It forms a mat that's only around 3 to 6 inches tall with a 12- to 18-foot spread. It's super soft to the touch and has little white flowers in summer. Typical of most plants, Scotch moss … [ More Information] ... Scotch Moss. Snow-in-summer prefers cooler climates and thrives in zones 3 through 7. Zones: 3-10 Irish and Scotch moss are easily propagated from seed or division. The plant will not grow in total shade, but too much hot sunlight can burn it. Use as Ground Covers. Arctic pearlwort (Sagina saginoides) grows as far north as Greenland and south to California, showing how adaptable the genus can be. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Efloras: Flora of North America: Sagina subulata, National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. There are plenty of gorgeous creeping Veronicas, but golden creeping speedwell stands out for its color. It can also be a lawn substitute. Irish and Scotch moss can grow in full sun with adequate water. Excellent for filling in between the cracks of flagstone paving, in the rock garden as a lawn substitute. The flowers dot the foliage in May and June. Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley recommends using a slow-release fertilizer in spring. This moss also features tiny, star-shaped white flowers in the spring. Fortunately or unfortunately, plants will choose the best areas for their purposes. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Scotch Moss is one of our top work horses in the STEPABLES Creeping Perennial line! Morning sun is best. Botanical Name: Cerastium tomentosum. Irish moss propagates itself more easily than Scotch; it reseeds itself readily. Mowing once a year in the spring will refresh and thicken your plant. Scotch moss favors clay soil and has a yellow tint to its foliage. Irish moss plants perform in a manner similar to moss, however. The Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), is an invasive shrub with striking yellow flowers. The plant is a fast spreader and is useful on slopes that need a quick cover. But it is still an enthusiastic grower, so don't put it where it can't sprawl. Scotch Moss loves clay soil and even needs it! As predicted, invasive plants -- alder, fir, blackberries, scotch broom, red moss, and cattails-- required periodic removal. It's suitable for moderate foot traffic and can be used as a lawn substitute and as edging. Irish and Scotch moss can grow in full sun with adequate water. Bright golden tufts of slender stems grow together to form a lush carpet of gold moss on the ground. 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