Golden Moss

Golden Moss (Sedum acre) is a tough, mat-forming succulent for the places where little else will grow. It stays about 10cm high and spreads to roughly 60cm wide, with mossy, lime green foliage and a summer carpet of starry yellow flowers. It asks for sun, sharp drainage and almost nothing else.

Why you'll love it

• Grows where others struggle. Dry, poor, shallow and rocky soils suit it, and it copes with exposed positions where fussier plants give up.
• A lime green carpet. The fine, mossy foliage knits into a soft-looking mat that sets off stone, gravel and darker plants.
• Summer flowers for insects. Starry yellow flowers cover the mat in summer and are rich in nectar for visiting bees and other insects.
• Almost no care. There is nothing to prune, and it is totally cold hardy, so it stays out of your way.
• Waterwise. As a succulent it holds moisture in its leaves, which makes it a sensible choice for dry beds, roof gardens and coastal sites.

Where it works best

Rockeries, walls and gravel. Tuck it between rocks or along the top of a wall, where it spills over the edge and roots into the cracks. Plant 25cm apart and it will knit together in a season or two.

Waterwise beds and roof gardens. Shallow soil and full sun on a roof or a hot bed suit it perfectly. Use it as a living cover around tougher plants.

Coastal gardens. Sandy soil and exposed positions are exactly what it likes, which makes it a good choice by the sea.

A lawn alternative for light traffic. It makes a fun low cover in spots that are seldom walked on. It will not stand up to regular foot traffic.

Growing Golden Moss in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight gives the best, tightest growth. It is totally cold hardy and thrives in exposed positions, and it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland climates. In humid, wet-summer districts, make sure the drainage is sharp.

Soil. Free-draining, gritty soil is the key. Rocky, sandy and poor soils are ideal. It will struggle in heavy clay that stays wet, so raise the planting on a mound or mix in plenty of grit.

Water and feed. Water new plants through their first weeks until they establish, then leave them to the weather. Established mats rarely need extra water or feeding.

Pruning. Almost none is required. If it spreads further than you want, pull it up. The roots are shallow and fine, so it comes away easily.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Golden Moss as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit covering a large area over a season or two, and the 140mm pots give you a bigger patch from the day they arrive. Plants settle fast in warm weather, so plant them out soon after delivery.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse groundcover plants
• Rockery plants for sunny sites
• More succulents
• A guide to creating a waterwise garden

Common questions

Is Golden Moss invasive?

It spreads readily, but the roots are shallow and fine, so unwanted pieces pull up easily. Plant it where a spreading mat is welcome and edge it with stone or paving.

Can I walk on it?

Only occasionally. It is a fun lawn alternative for places that are not walked on much, but regular foot traffic will wear it out.

Why is it called Sedum acre?

The name is pronounced 'akray' and shares a root with acrid, a nod to the bitter taste of the leaves. It is a plant to look at rather than nibble.