Sagina subulata Lime Moss

The Sagina subulata 'Lime Moss' is a selection of subulate sagina that evokes a cushion of golden moss. Over time, it spreads to form a soft and fluffy carpet that contours the landscape. This perennial plant progresses by rooting itself in various places, and in late spring or summer, it is adorned with small white flowers. Even in winter, it is decorative and highly resistant to cold, illuminating rockeries, enhancing the gaps between paving stones and walls, and elegantly highlighting Japanese designs. It thrives in a light soil that remains consistently moist. 

The Sagina subulata 'Lime Moss' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, along with the twenty or so species that make up the Sagina genus. Subulate sagina is a small perennial plant native to Western Europe and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The 'Lime Moss' variety is a trailing plant that eventually forms a very low, evergreen, yellow-green carpet, 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) in height, colonizing the area through the rooting of tiny, stoloniferous and ramified stems measuring 1 cm (0in) in length, eventually forming dense cushions over 25 cm (10in) in diameter. Its growth rate is quite slow. In late spring, from May to early July depending on the climate, the carpet is covered in tiny white flowers measuring 4 mm (0in) in diameter. Subulate sagina remains very low and does not require mowing. 

This 'Lime Moss' sagina has the advantage of being able to vegetate an area where grass struggles to grow, thanks to its trailing roots. Subulate sagina develops to form a uniform carpet that does not need to be mowed, tolerates moist soils, and is therefore highly valued as a grass replacement. However, it is quite fragile and does not respond well to foot traffic. Like helxine, it is appreciated in mosaic plantings, in rockeries, or to fill gaps between large paving stones and walls. It is also welcome in Japanese-inspired gardens. Paired with hostas and ferns or used as a backdrop for a bed of fuchsias, it is truly captivating. The Sagina subulata 'Lime Moss' is ideal for highlighting the edge of a bed or greening a pot. It should be noted that this plant does not tolerate dry or excessively hot conditions, and is best suited to cool and slightly shaded areas. In full sun, it will require regular watering.