Skip to main content

How to grow Irish moss for a low-maintenance and beautiful ground cover

Growing and caring for Irish moss

A lawn of Irish moss mounds
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Grass is an extremely popular ground cover for lawns, and there are many different types of grass to choose from. However, it isn’t the only thing that you can use for lawns. Clover, sand, and moss are all popular choices as well.

Moss is easy to grow and requires less maintenance than grass lawns, but it can be slow to spread and easy to damage. For a lawn that has the beautiful aesthetics of moss without the fragility, look to Irish moss. To find out if Irish moss might be right for your lawn, keep reading!

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

1 hour

What You Need

  • Well-draining soil

  • Water

A small white Irish moss flower
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is Irish moss?

Irish moss is the common name of two different plants, so it’s important to clarify which we’re talking about. Chondrus crispus is a type of red algae, and unless your lawn is a lake, algae doesn't make good ground cover. Sagina subulata, on the other hand, is a low-growing perennial, also sometimes called heath pearlwort. This is the Irish moss that makes a great ground cover.

It resembles moss closely, growing in mounds of tiny, oval leaves. These leaves are a rich, emerald green, and it grows tiny white flowers shaped like stars. In addition to being a good ground cover, Irish moss is easy to grow in containers and gardens, and it's particularly cute in a whimsical fairy garden.

Moss flower buds
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why does Irish moss make a good ground cover?

Irish moss is easy to grow and maintain, especially when compared to grass. It doesn't need to be mowed or fertilized and is generally resistant to many of the pests and diseases that can affect grass. Additionally, the white, star-shaped flowers that Irish moss produces in the late spring make it a very attractive ground cover.

Irish moss can withstand light use and foot traffic. Unless you use your lawn frequently or have rambunctious outdoor pets, Irish moss should be suitable for you to use. Irish moss is especially useful for rock gardens, sandy lawns, filling gaps between stepping stones, and other tight spaces where grass might be difficult to mow.

A lawn of Irish moss mounds
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Growing Irish moss

Follow these steps to grow Irish moss as a ground cover or in your garden:

Step 1: Plant your Irish moss in full sun or partial shade in a hot climate.

Step 2: Use well-draining soil.

Irish moss will grow in sandy, loamy, or rich soils, as long as it has adequate drainage.

Step 3: Plant your Irish moss after the last frost date.

Step 4: Water your Irish moss lightly but regularly.

It needs consistent water, but can develop fungal infections if left sitting in wet soil for too long.

Step 5: Avoid fertilizing Irish moss.

It is sensitive to overfertilization, which can lead to brown spots.

Whether you grow it as a ground cover or as an ornamental garden plant, Irish moss has a lot of charm. If you want to bring this sweet perennial home with you, this care guide will help you get started. There’s not much to it, so why not add some to your garden today?

Cayla Leonard
Cayla Leonard is a writer from North Carolina who is passionate about plants.  She enjoys reading and writing fiction and…
Dragon fruit plant care: How to grow this tropical beauty
Grow fresh dragon fruit at home
Ripe dragon fruit

Growing your own fresh fruit is a fun way to increase the amount of tasty, healthy snacks in your home. There are tons of delicious fruits you can grow, from classic blueberries to the more unusual strawberry tree. Dragon fruit is one fruit you might not have considered growing at home. These unique-looking tropical fruits are delightful, but are they easy to grow? They’re tricky, but not impossible! If you want a steady supply of fresh dragon fruit, here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for dragon fruit plants.
Planting dragon fruit plants

The best time to start planting dragon fruit plants is in early to mid-spring. While you can plant them later, they won’t have as much time to grow during the year. If you plan on starting with seeds or a small sapling, you can start your dragon fruit plants indoors during the winter and transplant them in the spring to speed things up.

Read more
How to grow wintercreeper, gorgeous green and gold foliage
Your guide to growing these evergreen vines
Green and yellow wintercreeper leaves

If your winter landscape is looking a bit empty, you might be on the hunt for some beautiful evergreen plants to fill the space. There are many gorgeous evergreen plants to choose from, including trees like various types of pine and smaller shrubs such as holly. One plant you may have heard of is wintercreeper. If you’re not familiar with this plant and are wondering what it is and how to grow it, then you’re in the right place. This guide to wintercreeper care will answer all your questions about growing wintercreeper indoors and out.
What is wintercreeper?

Wintercreeper, also called fortune’s spindle or Euonymus fortunei, is an elegant evergreen vine with solid green or variegated green and white or yellow foliage. It grows quickly and can be trained to grow over a trellis, up a wall, or as a ground cover. This creates a beautiful display of densely growing vines and leaves, which is great for filling space. As a groundcover, it requires less maintenance than grass lawns, and the durability of the vines is a highlight for many gardeners.

Read more
How to grow winter jasmine for January blooms
Growing your own winter jasmine shrub
Yellow winter jasmine flowers

If the long, cold months of winter have left your garden looking cold and empty, it might be time to start planning your spring garden. There are a number of early-blooming spring flowers you can choose from, including classics like tulips and daffodils. If you want something a bit larger than your standard bulbs, you should consider planting winter jasmine. Not familiar with this plant? Don’t worry, we’ll answer all your questions about winter jasmine care so you can get started growing your own.
What is winter jasmine?

Winter jasmine, or Jasminum nudiflorum, is a shrub with thin, vine-like branches and bright yellow flowers. In its native habitat of China, it's among the earliest blooming shrubs, blooming right at the end of winter and beginning of spring. In the U.S., it can actually bloom even earlier, sometimes beginning in November, if the weather stays mild. However, it most commonly begins blooming in January or February, typically continuing until March.

Read more