Since Irish moss ground cover can tolerate some foot traffic, it works especially well along walkways or to fill in the spaces between stepping stones. Can you walk on Irish moss? Though tolerant of light foot traffic, Irish moss will suffer under regular, heavy walking and is better off supporting well-placed stepping stones.
What moss can be walked on?
Hypnum imponens (sheet moss, feather moss): Low-growing moss that does best in shade but can also grow in partial sun. It can withstand light to medium foot traffic.
Does Irish moss spread quickly?
Under ideal conditions, each plant will quickly increase to cover a spread of about 9-12 inches wide. If Irish moss receives too much nitrogen as a result of overfertilization, it can result in an irregular growth pattern.
Does moss handle foot traffic?
At first glance, you might not think that Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) is tough enough to take foot traffic. Yet this golden moss bounces right back if someone steps on it. Use Scotch moss in garden paths, rock gardens, or as a lawn substitute in small backyards.
Can I use Irish moss instead of grass?
With deep green leaves and small white flowers, Irish moss is a good alternative to establishing grass lawn in some places in your yard. Since Irish moss ground cover can tolerate some foot traffic, it works especially well along walkways or to fill in the spaces between stepping stones.
Is Irish moss toxic to dogs?
Irish Moss, Labrador Violet, Miniature Stonecrop (although invasive, so be careful where you plant it) as well as snow in summer are rather dog-abuse-tolerant and are non-toxic.”
How long does Irish moss last?
To Wrap It All Up In summary, sea moss gel can easily last a solid month when stored in a tightly sealed container at the back of your refrigerator. In addition, the gel can last for three to four months, more than triple its usual shelf life when frozen.
What is the toughest ground cover?
Ivy is one of the toughest, hardiest groundcovers available. Adaptable to almost any condition but dry full sun, it has saved many an “unplantable” area. It can become invasive, especially when seeds are dispersed far and wide by birds.
What is the best low-maintenance ground cover?
The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your GardenHeuchera. 2/16. ... Honeysuckle. 3/16. ... Brass Buttons. 4/16. ... Creeping Phlox. 5/16. ... Creeping Jenny. 6/16. ... Stonecrop. 7/16. ... Vinca Minor. 8/16. ... Lamium. 9/16.More items...
Is moss better than grass?
Moss lawns instead of grass save on water, time and fertilizer. The stuff practically grows on trees. Actually it does, as well as steps, rocks, wheelbarrows, etc.
Do you mow Irish moss?
Growing Irish moss reaches only 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) in height and when used as a lawn replacement, does not need mowing.
Does Irish moss prevent weeds?
Moss, which grows fast and hugs the ground, prevents soil erosion. Its density repels weeds.
How long does it take for Irish moss to grow?
Sow Irish Moss seeds in cell packs or flats, press into soil but do not cover. Kept at 55-60° F., germination is in 10-25 days.
How Far Will Irish moss spread?
about 1 foot wideA perennial, Irish moss grows only 1 to 2 inches tall and spreads about 1 foot wide. It and the Scotch moss cultivar are often grown in rock gardens, between stepping stones, or as a lawn substitute.
What is the fastest growing ground cover?
Fast-Growing Ground Cover for ShadeSweet Woodruff. Zones 5 to 8. ... Bunchberry. Zones 2 to 7. ... Goldenstar. Zones 5 to 8. ... Trailing Periwinkle. Zones 4 to 8. ... Creeping Thyme. Zones 4 to 9. ... Yellow Alyssum. Zones 4 to 7. ... Ice Plant. Zones 5 to 10. ... Creeping Juniper. Zones 3 to 9.
How does Irish moss reproduce?
Irish moss normally has a life cycle consisting of three phases: male, female and a spore- producing phase. All phases are similar in size and shape. The primary mode of reproduction is by the sexual production of spores that then form small plants.
Does Irish moss need to be mowed?
Growing Irish moss reaches only 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) in height and when used as a lawn replacement, does not need mowing.
How to kill Irish moss?
Irish moss may be attacked by slugs, particularly in damp, shady areas. Slugs can be killed by placing a cup or bowl of beer or fermented liquid next to the moss. Unable to resist a drink, the slugs slip and drown inside the cup. Moles tunneling under the moss may lift the plant, causing the roots to become dislodged. The moss must be carefully patted down back into the soil, or bare, dead patches will form.
What is Irish moss?
Also known as Corsican pearlwort or Scotch moss, Irish moss (Sagina subulata) is a perennial ground cover notable for its tight, low growth habit, emerald green foliage and pristine white flowers, which appear in the spring .
What zone does Irish moss grow in?
It generally grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. Irish moss is generally a trouble-free, durable plant, though like any plant, it is susceptible to a few pests and cultural problems.
Why does Irish moss die?
Parts of the moss may die due to pet urine, excess fertilizer or accidental herbicide exposure. Though tolerant of light foot traffic, Irish moss will suffer under regular, heavy walking and is better off supporting well-placed stepping stones. Some plants, such as the ground cover baby tears (Helxine soleirolii, USDA zones 9 & 10), are more aggressive than Irish moss and will overtake the moss's territory. Disease in Irish moss is rare. Irish moss is not suitable for hot, southern climates.
Can grass break moss?
Weeds and grass can occasionally break through the tightly growing moss, threatening the health of the plant and disrupting the overall aesthetic. Weeds must be pulled as young as possible, as pulling up established weeds will often damage the moss.
Can slugs kill Irish moss?
Irish moss may be attacked by slugs, particularly in damp, shady areas. Slugs can be killed by placing a cup or bowl of beer or fermented liquid next to the moss. Unable to resist a drink, the slugs slip and drown inside the cup.
What is Scotch Moss used for?
Scotch moss is most commonly used to fill in between stepping stones or other small bald spots in your garden. Its clumping ability helps it overlap the edges of stepping stones, and its mosslike look gives your path an Old World feel. In between stones, the plant gets light foot traffic, as most people tend to step on the stones provided. Scotch moss can be used to cover your entire yard as a grass replacement, but this works only if you stick to light foot traffic. Constant walking or irregular pressure, such as stopping on your toes with quick turns when practicing sports, can create bald spots.
Is Scotch Moss perennial?
Scotch moss is an evergreen perennial that grows to about 1 inch high. It tends to clump, growing up and out from a central section, then overlapping with the outer edges of the next clump. It blooms with small white flowers in the late spring, adding a pleasant seasonal look to your yard.
Is Scotch Moss good for grass?
If you spend a significant amount of time walking, entertaining or playing in your yard, Scotch moss isn't a good idea for all-over ground cover. It's clumping nature makes it easy to break, so constantly walking over it can break off large chunks. The plant doesn't have as deep a root system as grass, so it won't hold up to much abuse. It's soft and fluffy, however, making it pleasant to walk on while barefoot -- but only on occasion.
How to grow Irish moss?
Use a slow-release fertilizer annually in the springtime to help the plant grow to a tidy uniform one to two-inch height. Under ideal conditions, each plant will quickly increase to cover a spread of about nine inches wide. If Irish Moss receives too much nitrogen as a result of overfertilization, it can result in an irregular growth pattern giving the moss the appearance of undulating rather than having a compact and low-growing form.
Why cut Irish moss?
If your Irish Moss is forming less attractive mounds, and stepping them down isn't working, these can be cut to prevent overcrowding. You could always transplant these cuttings to other areas or use them to replace sections that may be overly brown.
What is the difference between Irish moss and Scotch moss?
While alike, Irish Moss stays a vibrant green throughout the year and Scotch Moss has a more golden shade. When in bloom, both types have little white flowers.
Is Irish moss a perennial?
This lush and low-growing evergreen perennial resembles moss, but it's actually part of the Carnation family ( Caryophyllaceae) ...
Is Irish moss hardy?
Irish Moss is fully hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9. This groundcover is not at its best when planted in areas of intensely hot and dry summers, and this type of weather can result in the dense green shades turning an unattractive burnt brown. Usually, once the weather cools in the fall, the moss reverts to its normal color again.
Can Irish moss be watered?
If you go too far either way, it can result in brown patches developing. It isn't drought-tolerant, and it can't cope with overly soggy conditions. Regular, but not deep watering is best for Irish Moss.
Can Irish moss grow in full shade?
How to Grow Irish Moss. Irish Moss, unlike actual moss species, doesn't do well in full shade and wet conditions. Conversely, it also doesn't appreciate extreme heat. It likes a sunny or partial shade position, but intense heat isn't good for this ground cover.
What is the best zone for Corsican mint?
Its lovely fragrance makes this mint variety a wonderful groundcover—the scent is quite strong after someone lightly trods upon it. Zones 6 through 9 are perfect for Corsican mint. Though the blooms are so tiny that you might not even see them without close inspection, Corsican mint produces tiny lilac flowers in the late summer. Corsican mint does require a bit of maintenance and some light watering when rainfall is scarce.
Does Scotch Moss stand up to foot traffic?
Scotch Moss. Scotch moss doesn’t seem like it can stand up to foot traffic. However, like memory foam, scotch moss just pops right back in place after being stepped on. Thriving in zones 4-8, scotch moss needs lots of water during the summer and comes with a nice bouquet of tiny white flowers in the spring.
What is Irish moss?
Irish moss plants are versatile little plants that can add a touch of elegance to your landscape. Growing Irish moss fills a range of garden needs. It is simple to learn how to grow Irish moss. You’ll find growing Irish moss can put the finishing touch on many areas of the garden and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about the care of Irish moss in your garden.
How tall does Irish moss grow?
Care for Irish moss is simple and includes cutting out browning patches in older mats. Growing Irish moss reaches only 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) in height and when used as a lawn replacement, does not need mowing.
What is the hardiness zone for Irish moss?
For a similar plant with a more yellow tint, try Scotch moss, Sagina subulata Aurea. Irish moss growing zones include USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 10, depending on the variety you choose. Most areas of the United States can use Irish moss plants in some manner.
When does Irish moss turn brown?
In warmer Irish moss growing zones, plant where it is protected from the scorching sun. Irish moss may turn brown during summer’s hottest days, but greens up again as temperatures fall in autumn.
Can you grow Irish moss in containers?
Use the grass-like mats to spread around pavers or to edge a rock garden. Growing Irish moss is also attractive in containers. Uses of Irish moss are limited only by your imagination. Printer Friendly Version.
Is Irish moss a perennial?
A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, Irish moss ( Sagina subulata ), which is not a moss at all, is also called Corsican pearlwort or Scot’s moss. Irish moss plants perform in a manner similar to moss, however. They do need some light to maintain the most amazing of emerald green colors found in its foliage. This herbaceous perennial (evergreen in warmer zones) turns green as temperatures warm. Charming little white blooms appear sporadically throughout the growing season. For a similar plant with a more yellow tint, try Scotch moss, Sagina subulata Aurea.
How big is Scotch Moss?
The key with this walkable groundcover plant is to keep it well hydrated, particularly during summer heat. Size: To 1 inch tall and 1 foot wide.
Is dwarf mondo grass good for patios?
Forming small clumps of bright green foliage, dwarf mondo grass is simply spectacular when planted in masses along a path or patio. Plus, you don’t have to fuss over it to keep it looking good; a quick shearing back in spring will encourage fresh new growth after the winter. And this plant grows slowly so there’s no worry about it getting out of control.
Can you build a walkway with concrete?
A solid brick or concrete walkway can be a bit blah, not to mention pricey to build. Instead, you can create a pretty path with groundcovers tucked between stepping stones for a more natural look. These mat-forming, low-growing plants are tough enough to tolerate light foot traffic and best of all, some varieties will also release a delightful fragrance every time you brush by.
