Irish Moss

Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) is the soft green carpet that fills the gaps between pavers and stepping stones. It grows only about 5cm high and spreads to around 30cm, forming a dense mossy mat scattered with tiny white flowers in spring. It takes light foot traffic, it is frost hardy, and it is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Made for gaps between pavers. A 5cm mat softens hard paving and stepping stone paths without tripping anyone or needing edging to hold it in.
• It takes light foot traffic. A path through a garden bed is fine. It is not a lawn substitute for a busy backyard with children and dogs.
• Tiny white flowers in spring. The mat lifts with a scatter of small white flowers, then settles back to plain even green.
• Pet friendly and frost hardy. Not toxic to cats or dogs, and it holds its colour through cool temperate winters.

Where it works best

Between pavers and steppers. Plant 20cm apart in the joints for a carpet that closes over within a season, given steady water.

Rockeries. It spills over rock and fills pockets neatly, provided those pockets are watered rather than left to bake dry.

Borders, edging and pots. Along a path edge, or as a green skirt at the base of a potted feature plant in a courtyard.

Growing Irish Moss in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in cool districts, morning sun with afternoon shade where summers run hot. It suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and it dislikes hot humid summers, so tropical and wet subtropical gardens want a different groundcover.

Soil. Free draining soil, even poor soil, as long as water moves through. It rots in ground that stays soggy. Level the surface before planting so the finished carpet sits flat.

Water and feed. This is the demanding part. It needs regular water, especially in summer and while establishing, and it browns off in patches when it dries out. A light liquid feed in spring and again in autumn keeps the colour even.

Pruning. None required. If the mat humps up over the years, press it back down, or lift and divide sections in spring and replant the pieces 20cm apart.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as tube stock, and also in 140mm pots in packs of ten. Tubes are the economical way to plant an area: at 20cm spacing, one square metre needs about 25 plants. The 140mm plants are larger and more established, so they close the gaps noticeably faster.

Plants travel packed upright and can go straight into a prepared, weeded and levelled bed. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee. Expect a carpet to knit together over one growing season with consistent water.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Ground cover options for in between steppers, with alternatives compared.
• Browse the wider groundcover range for shadier or drier spots.
• Rockery plants that pair well with a low mossy mat.
• More plants safe for pets for a garden the dog uses.

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 20cm apart for a dense carpet. One square metre takes roughly 25 plants at that spacing, and the joints close over within a growing season.

Can I walk on it?

Light foot traffic is fine, which is why it suits stepping stone paths and paver joints. It will not take the wear that lawn does in a busy backyard.

Is it safe for pets?

Yes, it is not toxic to cats or dogs. A path or a courtyard planted with it is no concern if your pets chew or dig at the greenery.

Why has it gone brown in patches?

Almost always dryness. It needs regular water through summer, and it dislikes hot humid conditions, so browning is common in warm coastal gardens at the peak of summer.