Heath pearlwort
Sagina subulata · Caryophyllaceae
📷 Jerzy Opioła · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant heath pearlwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Sagina subulata
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Plant type
- Carpeting herbaceous
- Adult height
- 5 to 8 cm
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and needle-like
- Flowering
- May to August, tiny white flowers
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to approximately -15 °C
- Origin
- British Isles and temperate zones of Europe
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Sagina subulata is a miniature ground cover for slightly moist soil: it fears winter waterlogging more than summer drought. Plant in very well-drained soil enriched with sand.
The common mistake
People water it like a typical perennial, which causes fungal rot as early as January: it's a tiny carpet, not a robust perennial.
The pro's trick
Sow or divide in spring (April-May) when growth restarts: multiplication is ultra-easy and ultra-fast, you cover surfaces effortlessly in 6-8 weeks.
Care
Light exposure
Sagina subulata prefers partial shade or light shade, though it tolerates full sun in temperate climates. Avoid areas that are too hot and dry in summer. Filtered light encourages more compact and regular development.
Watering
Keep the soil constantly moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. This plant fears prolonged drought. In winter, reduce watering without letting the substrate dry out completely.
Soil and drainage
Use a light, well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil, sand, and peat works perfectly. Avoid overly compact soils that promote root suffocation.
Pruning and maintenance
No strict pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged parts in spring. You can pinch the stems to encourage dense branching and a more compact form.
Fertilizing
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excessive feeding which causes loose growth. A diluted fertilizer every two months during the growing season is more than adequate.
Pests and diseases
Sagina subulata can suffer from root rot if persistent stagnant moisture occurs. Ensure good drainage and air circulation. Pest attacks are rare but a light spray can treat minor issues.
Propagation
Trim and take small fragments that root very easily when lightly buried in moist substrate. Dividing clumps in spring also works very well for quickly obtaining new plants.
Did you know?
Sagina subulata is historically known as 'Irish moss' due to its abundant presence on the British Isles, although it is not a true moss. It has long been used in rock gardens and miniature alpine gardens to create delicate and charming carpets.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.