Sagina subulata Pine Green

The Sagina subulata 'Pine Green' is a particularly bright variety of subulate sagina that forms a delightful fluffy carpet of green with yellow highlights. This very spreading and turf-forming perennial plant progresses by rooting itself in various places, and in late spring it is covered with small white flowers. Decorative even in winter, this plant works wonders in rockeries, in the gaps between paving stones and walls, in a light soil that remains consistently moist. Perfect for a Japanese-inspired setting!  

The Sagina subulata 'Pine Green' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, just like the twenty or so species that make up the Sagina genus. It is a small perennial plant native to Western Europe and temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. This plant with trailing roots gradually forms a very low, evergreen, yellow-green carpet, 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) in height, colonizing the ground by rooting tiny, ramified stoloniferous stems measuring 1 cm (0in) in length, eventually forming dense cushions over 25 cm (10in) in diameter. Its growth is rather slow. In late spring, from May to June, the carpet is covered with tiny 4 mm (0in) diameter white flowers. The subulate sagina remains very low and does not need to be mowed.

This carpet plant 'Pine Green' has the advantage of being able to cover an area where grass grows poorly, thanks to its trailing roots. The subulate sagina develops to form a uniform carpet that does not need to be mowed. It tolerates damp soil and for these reasons is valued as a grass substitute. However, it is quite delicate and does not withstand trampling well. Like soleirolia, 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 to frame a bed of fuchsias, this plant is truly enchanting. The Sagina subulata Pine Green is ideal for illuminating or accentuating the edge of a bed, or in a container. It should be noted that this plant does not tolerate dry or overly hot conditions, so it is best reserved for cool and slightly shaded areas. In full sun, it will be more golden, but will require regular watering.