Procumbent pearlwort
Sagina procumbens · Caryophyllaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant procumbent pearlwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, finely linear
- Flowering
- April to September, tiny white flowers
- Adult size
- 5-10 cm in height, very sprawling and creeping habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and coastal regions
- Soil type
- Moist, well-drained, rather acidic
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Sagina loves cool, moist environments and tolerates wet soils well in winter. During dry spells, water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Light exposure
Prefer a semi-shaded to shaded position, though the plant tolerates partial sun. It excels between paving stones, at the edge of a moist rock garden, or as groundcover in cool areas of your garden.
Soil
Plant sagina in a light, porous substrate rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Enrich with well-decomposed compost before planting.
Pruning and maintenance
No formal pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or smothered sections in spring. You can cut back lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth and better branching.
Fertilizer
Sagina is not a heavy feeder. A single application of well-decomposed compost in spring is more than enough. Avoid rich fertilizers that would encourage soft growth.
Diseases and pests
This hardy plant mainly fears excessive heat and prolonged drought. In humid, poorly ventilated conditions, watch out for powdery mildew or root rot. Ensure good air circulation and avoid foliage watering in late afternoon.
Did you know?
Sagina is a pioneer plant, capable of colonizing cracks in paving stones and damp walls. Once considered a weed in formal gardens, it was rehabilitated in the 20th century by modern landscapers who made it a key element of minimalist Asian gardens and contemporary shady, dry garden designs.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.