Sagina subulata Scottish Moss

The Sagina subulata 'Scottish Moss' is a selection of the subulate sagina with a light golden green colour that forms a pretty carpet with a moss or grass-like appearance. This perennial plant spreads by rooting in different places and is adorned with small white flowers in late spring. Attractive even in winter, it is perfect for vegetating a slightly damp rockery, gaps in paving stones, Japanese steps, and other small walls.

The Sagina subulata 'Scottish Moss' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, like the twenty or so species that make up the genus Sagina. The type species is a small perennial plant native to Western Europe and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Through its running roots, it gradually forms a very low, persistent, yellow-green carpet, 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) tall, colonizing the ground by rooting tiny stoloniferous and ramified stems, 1 cm (0in) in length, until they form dense cushions over 25 cm (10in) in diameter. Its growth is quite slow. In late spring, from May to June, the carpet is covered with tiny 4 mm (0in) diameter white flowers. 'Scottish Moss' is a sterile variety that does not produce seeds. The subulate sagina always remains very low, and so does not need to be mowed.

This 'Scottish Moss' perennial moss offers the advantage of being able to vegetate an area where grass grows with difficulty, thanks to its running roots. The subulate sagina develops to form a uniform carpet that does not need to be mowed. It tolerates wet soils and for these reasons is sought after as a grass substitute. However, it is quite fragile and does not well tolerate trampling. Like soleirolia, it is appreciated in mosaic cultivation, 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 perennial fuchsias, it will be truly charming. The Sagina subulata 'Scottish Moss' is ideal for brightening or highlighting the edge of a bed or in a container. It should be noted that this plant does not tolerate dry or too hot conditions. It prefers cool and slightly shaded areas. In the sun, it will be more golden but will require regular watering.