Digging deeperPlant Library

Ornamental Features

Irish Moss features tiny white star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from mid spring to mid summer. Its tiny needle-like leaves emerge light green in spring, turning emerald green in color the rest of the year.

Landscape Attributes

Irish Moss is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Irish Moss is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Irish Moss will grow to be only 1 inch tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.