Irish Moss Care and Propagation: Part 2

It’s hard not to fall in love with the look of Irish Moss growing in between flagstones. Join Rosanne for an in-depth look at caring for Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) from her USDA Zone 4 garden. Having grown it for over twenty years, she’ll share her experience and tips for healthy Irish Moss including ideal sun exposure, moisture requirements, maintenance, purchasing and propagating, planting in flagstone, and more!
Also, be sure to watch “Irish Moss Care and Propagation: Part 1” .

[@marthalucylu]

Thanks for the information. I am in Canada and just discovered this beautiful moss. Your information was invaluable.

[@RosannesGarden]

Yay! I’m so glad you found the video helpful. Irish Moss is just such a special plant.

[@debm9983]

I’ve been wanting to try growing Irish moss for awhile, and today I found some at Home Depot, of all places (in 6-packs of dense, healthy plants). Like you, I’m in Minneapolis, so I really appreciate your videos about the conditions and how you’re successful with it. Here goes….!

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings, neighbor! Yay for Home Depot! I’m so glad you found some and are going to try it. Funny, I was in Home Depot two days ago, and I saw someone walked by with some Irish Moss. I had to do a double take. I wish you all the best!

[@32speedygonzales]

Hi Rosanne, i have had a tiny piece of Irish moos I would say for 4 years. It never grew. After I found your first video I learned a lot and I am happy to say that the first patch grew considerably and I was able to take already 2 divisions which are also growing nicely.

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you so much for sharing your Sagina story! It's so good to have feedback like that. May your Irish Moss prosper!

[@debrap947]

Thanks for sharing Rosanne, great tips!

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi Debra, I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@terriebutler6737]

Beautiful! Love the look of moss. I so enjoy your videos 🌱

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you very much!

[@northeasthardytropicals541]

This looks so good! We love the miss look in gardens especially next to rocks and pavers like yours. Nicely done 👍🏼

[@RosannesGarden]

Tank you so much! There really isn't anything else much like it. Glad you liked the video!

[@virginiav.1172]

I'm always pleased to see a video from you, Rosanne.

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you Virginia! I don't do that many videos, but I try to make each one special. 😊

[@angelc1208]

I loved it, more Irish moss videos!! You’re 2 part series has been very informative and can’t wait to try and start one up myself!

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you! All the best with your Sagina subulata journey!

[@maryegerton6848]

Beautiful. It adds the right touch to your already perfect garden. 💚

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you. I'm so glad you like the garden! Irish Moss does have quite an impact.

[@wdwnutjm]

LOVE your explanations and your absolutely gorgeous garden! just bought some this week & I'm even more excited to start in my teeny little backyard oasis

[@RosannesGarden]

Glad you watched "Part 2". Sagina subulata is often a mis-understood plant. All the best!

[@derrongoodengardenandlifes8655]

The green Irish Moss and the colour of the flagstone pathway is a fabulous combination.

[@RosannesGarden]

Glad you think so! I think so too. 😊. Thanks for watching!

[@nycmclaren1]

Very informative video from someone who clearly understands gardening. Am going to check out others in this series.

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you! Please do check out the other videos on my channel!

[@Dakiniwoman]

I found your channel today and this is exactly the video I wanted to learn from. You have a truly enchanting space and part of it is the wonderful flagstones and the Irish Moss... I hope I will be able to create something similar for my tiny garden.

[@RosannesGarden]

Oh good. There is not much on the internet about Sagina subulata, so I thought it would be a good idea to make this video. Actually, I do think there is faulty information out there on Irish Moss. Some people say it needs lots of shade, even deep shade. I've never been able to grow it in those conditions 🤔. Good luck with your soon-to-be flagstone and Irish moss project!

[@violet2048]

Thank you your garden is absolutely to die for. It is a real testament to hard work and diligence. Bravo 5*****

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you so much! The garden is hard work, but it is a labor of love, as I'm sure you know. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful hobby. 🙂🌺

[@tinekejoldersma]

Ah! The video I hoped for. So happy you made it. It's abundant in your garden. The flagstones fit in so much better with the green lace and white flowers.

[@RosannesGarden]

Happy to oblige! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@zalehaburude7752]

I love your garden....so beautiful and fantastic.....Rosannes!! Thank you for sharing...Good wishes to you and yours.

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you! You too!

[@michaelasayshai3555]

youre so awesome, i just found your channel through your garden/shed tour. i have a dream of having my own fantastical small farm and watching your videos is so inspiring and educational ((: thank you and I hope you keep doing what you do

[@RosannesGarden]

I am so glad you found my channel and find it both inspirational and educational. That is my goal. It's fun to mull ideas over in your head, even for years, and have them slowly take form. I'm sure your one-day small farm will be perfect. Over the years, my greatest inspiration has been to see as many other gardens as possible. I just love garden tours. You find out what you like and what you don't . All the best, Rosanne

[@mlsvitoris]

I just love your videos! I learn so much from you. Love, newbie gardener from Coon Rapids.

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings neighbor! I'm so glad you are enjoying my channel and learning new things. That's my goal 😊❤️

[@ramithputhiyapurayil438]

I can just hear her speak for hours :)...I usually don't pay attention to what people say on such videos but i actually watched the entire video without fast forwarding. Watched every single video in this channel...great content!

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you for your kind comment! It's nice to get feedback such as yours. I often wonder about my videos "dragging" and work at keeping them moving along. I am so pleased to hear that you watched all of my videos! Wow. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@rdarrett3635]

Yes. She has soothing mother voice.

[@18Bees]

moss is a beautiful addition to gardens. we have a wooded back garden and it looks amazing going into the fall.

[@RosannesGarden]

It sounds absolutely lovely.

[@katecarter3631]

Thank you so very much for this inspiring video. I'll be planting my Irish moss throughout my stone walk way instead of gravel💚

[@RosannesGarden]

Yay! I hope it does well for you!

[@RobertoInetti]

Your garden is amazing! Thank you fo the tips

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and the garden tips. Have a wonderful gardening season!🌿

[@TropicalGardening]

Great video! Now I know I've growing this in containers as undergrowth for larger plants. I like how it's "falling" over the edge.

[@RosannesGarden]

I'm sure the effect is fantastic. I might try it in containers next year too! Thanks for the tip.

[@tammywinter9268]

Your husband is the king of flagstone, it is fabulous! I love the moss. It’s beautiful. Your videos are very informative, thank you

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you Tammy! I'm glad you're finding my channel useful! I appreciate your comments and enthusiasm.☺️🌿🌺

[@tammywinter9268]

@@RosannesGarden I love to garden, and I got enthused by u tube gardening during 2020!

[@pretzeltwisttwist7740]

Thanks for the great info on propagation! I like the edging effect you use along your beds. I've started growing Scottish moss (more yellow in color) and some creeping thyme in two separate areas where I have flagstone in my yard.

[@RosannesGarden]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I bet your flagstone looks great! Plants growing in between stone really is a good look. I like Scotch moss too; I just decided to stick with the green. All the best.

[@susiemeszaros3615]

Thanks for such thorough information. I wondered what that sweet clump was that appeared between some steps. Very pleased to find out!

[@RosannesGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gretchenkaszuba734]

Great video!

[@RosannesGarden]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Coconut_Stacks]

Very helpful video . Thank you for sharing.

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful. I consider myself somewhat of an "ambassador" for Sagina subulata.

[@gslee6072]

Hi Rosanne, you look gorgeous today, your beautiful Irish moss makes the garden more impressive too💕

[@RosannesGarden]

😊🌺

[@ginafriend1690]

THANK YOU DEAR 💚 THE BEST!!

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi Gina, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@corey3151]

So nice to see another Roseanne video! Are you possibly going to do a fall tour of the garden?

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi Corey, Glad to see you again! I am giving the fall tour idea serious thought. Thanks for the encouragement 😊🌺

[@user-xp1sn6yv3b]

We support you!

[@RosannesGarden]

😊

[@asianangie7209]

Great info!

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you!

[@RichGardenLife]

Your garden looks really beautiful, moss is nice in any garden I prefer phlox moss in my Garden love the way they cover the ground.

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you. Creeping phlox is indeed lovely. I have a patch that I talk about in my spring tour video. Thanks for watching.

[@janwhited2954]

All of your garden videos show your garden areas to be absolutely beautiful!! We moved in to a new home 3 years ago. I am slowly building it up, but would love for it to be matured now😊. I am in a hot Florida climate 8b. Is gardening a hobby or did you work professionally with landscape architecture? Thanks for your inspiration!!

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi Jan, I'm so glad you are enjoying the garden videos! Before you know it, your garden will be grown up and we'll all be a few years older 😊 . It does all happen fast. Gardening is a hobby and has been for the past twenty years. Gardening has been a great way to relax. For about ten years, my husband had a stone masonry company and I occasionally dabbled in some garden design to complement his stonework. To be inspired, I have always loved to go to other gardens, both real and virtual. Happy gardening in Florida! Rosanne

[@NurayOConnell]

I love your garden. You inspired me to add Irish moss to my southern garden too.I absolutely love the sedum on the corner of the steps. Please consider showing us how you planted them. Thank you :)

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you! I'm so pleased to hear that! The Stone Crop Sedum is lovely growing out from the steps. As long as there is a little soil for the roots, the sedum are pretty tough. That said, great idea! Maybe in a forthcoming video 😊

[@NurayOConnell]

@@RosannesGarden thank you, I for one would love to see that video :)

[@spaciodecm]

Beautiful

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you

[@polishgarden9271]

amazing:) greetings from Poland

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings to Poland! I'm so glad you liked it! 😊🌷

[@mellowmoon8647]

IRISH MOSS Healing to me! Thank you so much and Have a beautiful day!☕🍰🎁🤝🤝🤝

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you! 🙂🌺🌱

[@deborahcrawford8985]

Thanks!

[@RosannesGarden]

You are quite welcome!

[@Ir0nMaidenFan666]

Very informative. I've had a hard time trying to find information on this plant. I just bought 10,000 seeds and trying to start them inside. It's been one week and still nothing. I hope they come up!

[@RosannesGarden]

10,000 seeds! That's ambitious and I wish you all the best! Once they get going, they are pretty strong. Glad you found my videos!

[@ejohnson3131]

Thank you so much for this video! I keep trying to grow Irish moss in my garden, but I can never get the lighting and watering conditions right. It's always too shady/sunny or too wet/dry.

[@RosannesGarden]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video but I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems with your Irish Moss! Young plants are quite a bit more tender than established (like most plants I imagine). Maybe start out young plants in just the ideal conditions and let them establish for a year and then try dividing and moving? Just a thought. Without seeing your garden and conditions, it's tough to figure out. All the best to you!

[@connietowler3725]

Thank you :)

[@RosannesGarden]

You're welcome!

[@bettyhoffman1280]

I live in zone 8b and I cannot find Irish moss anywhere! I am hoping to try it between stepping stones in a partially shaded area. I have ordered some online, so we will see! It certainly is beautiful!

[@RosannesGarden]

I'm sorry to hear that! I hope that you are successful with your online order. Mine originally came through the mail, as it seems no one even heard of it back then. Good luck!

[@amalia3785]

this is no nice and your garden is so pretty!! i want a garden like that one day

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you! I'm so glad to hear that our garden inspires you!

[@leandrosouzabio]

Great video! Im from the hottest part of Brazil, and I think I cant grow this amazing plant because of the heat, sadly.

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings to Brazil! Thank you! Glad you liked the video. Although Irish Moss may not survive where you live, I can imagine how many other beautiful native plants you must have.

[@ratsaremagic]

Thanks God for this video - now I know what I bought today at a nursery in South Africa. They sold it to me as real moss for my terrarium.....wow! But maybe it will work.....

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings to South Africa! I'm so glad you found this video too! Good luck with your terrarium 🌿

[@GinaCriv]

Hi Rosanne, thank you so much for this update. After your first Irish moss video I was inspired to go out and buy 3 flats to put between pavers on the north side of my house, (but not shaded), (at $4.00 per 3.5" plant...not cheap). Out of all the plants (30 in total) a few, like maybe 10, are looking pretty good; the others have turned straw like in color...do you think they're dead or just suffering from summer heat? I live in the southeastern most part of Virginia, and we've had a terrible, HOT, humid summer. FYI, even though it's planted on the north side, it does get hit by the high afternoon sun, and some of the west sun. Thanks for your help.

[@RosannesGarden]

I'm so sorry to hear about so many of your plants not doing so well. It does sound like the tender new plants may have had too much heat. in my experience, the more established Irish Moss should do fine in those conditions. I might try digging up a few patches of the sick moss and putting them in pots that get more shade, in order for them to recover. Sort of taking them to the "plant hospital". As the season turns, the plants may recover on their own. Just because they look brown, the roots may be alive and ready to push up new growth. Of course, the younger the plant, the less established its roots will be. On the plus side, you do have ten plants doing well. Maybe you can divide them in half next year. Sorry again. Good luck with the recovery!

[@GinaCriv]

@@RosannesGarden Thank you for your response. You are so kind.

[@karentemple5619]

Thank you for all the information! I have 3 small clumps that are doing well and I adore the tiny flowers. What is different about Scotch moss? I bought some this summer and I potted it because it was in bad shape. It is thriving😀

[@RosannesGarden]

Scotch moss (Sagina subulata aurea) is the same plant, only a different color. It is more chartreuse in color. I'm glad your Irish Moss (and Scotch Moss) is doing fine!

[@karentemple5619]

@@RosannesGarden Thank you..I had no idea😀

[@karinaabad5347]

One of the best videos I’ve seen! So informative thank you! Does Irish moss in between flag stone eventually lift the stone? Or is it good for holding stone in place versus gravel

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you! Glad you liked the video. No, our Irish Moss has never lifted the stone. It tends to grow, even slightly mounded, on top of the stone and in-between the stones. Therefore, I'd say it works to hold things in place. We have not used gravel underneath the stones, just soil. Hope that helps.

[@karinaabad5347]

@@RosannesGarden thank you so much. Excited to try it

[@meredithbooth7240]

Hello from New Brighton, does Irish Moss need trimming to level with pavers or flagstone? Just found your channel and I enjoy seeing others from my area be successful! Cheers, Meredith

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings Neighbor! I'm so glad you found my channel. The Irish Moss needs no trimming as it only gets about one inch high. It does grow outward, on top of the stone, however. In very mature areas, it can cover as much as half of the flagstone. I like the look, but every few years, I might cut it back.

[@dadofcia]

Thank you so much for this informative video. I live in the Seattle area and am planting Irish Moss between patio pavers. I've seen some pictures of Irish moss where it is mounding up above flagstones, but yours is so nice and tidy and low to the ground. Do you ever trim it to keep it that way? If so, how? Thanks.

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings to Seattle! I always love to hear that people are planting Irish Moss. It has such a nice effect between stones. To answer your question, I had a period of time when my oldest moss became quite rounded and covered up large sections of stone. I guess it was super happy with it's conditions. I also believe some of the mounding was due to earthworm activity, but I don't know for sure. After awhile it weakened and I replaced much of it with new Irish Moss. It was my oldest area. I find that every spring I have some die-out in one place or another. Soon, the Irish Moss all fills in anyway. I do trim here and there, mostly to cut out the brown dead areas. So, the summary of my observation and experience: Young moss won't spread and mound; only the older established Irish Moss that comes back strong every Spring. It's fine to cut it back to help define shape and remove brown areas. Best of luck with your new plants!

[@dadofcia]

@@RosannesGarden Thank you so much for your answer! Very helpful. Shortly after I planted the Irish moss it got extremely cold for this area for 4 or 5 days (fell below 28 degrees at night). After the cold spell it warmed up considerably and we had a 2 day rainstorm where about 5 inches of rain fell. I've noticed that the centers of some of the plants are yellowing. I hope it makes it! Thanks again for your response.

[@MagnumVideos]

Great video. Just purchased some SCOTCH MOSS at Lowes. Does it have the same needs and features as the Irish Moss? We have dappled shade on the east and are thinking of adding some to the top of a potted patio peach tree. Any reply would be helpful.

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi there, To my knowledge, Scotch moss and Irish moss are the same, except for their color. I'm not sure if the pigmentation changes anything. I think that the Scotch Moss would be very happy atop a potted tree, as long as it gets enough, but not too much, moisture.

[@MagnumVideos]

@@RosannesGarden Thank you so much for the comment.

[@FynnOliverEmonSill]

SWMN here. This spring I made a comment on one of your videos that I was going to try some moss relocation from a wooded area about a block from my house on my property… I’m happy to report that I had pretty good success. The only issues that I have found is certain areas of course are getting more sun and the moss doesn’t look perfect but it’s still there. And I’ve been watering it a lot because it seems like it’s been a dry summer, plus it’s the first year since I put the moss in....The watering has made the moss very flat.... inappropriately flat. Is it the chlorine in the water that is causing the moss to lay down flat? (A bit of yellowing as well )

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi, Glad to hear that overall your moss relocation project worked out. Funny about the flattening though. I have not run into that. New Irish Moss, which inherently is "fluffier" because it is not yet dense from reseeding, can get flattened somewhat when watered, but it should perk right back up. Maybe a lighter setting (mist?) on your hose? Maybe less watering? I have no idea about the impact the chlorine could be having on the Irish Moss. Ours gets watered with chlorinated city water too. If you have access to a soil test (many universities will do this, but you may need to use the mail), I'd be curious. It could be the soil is too compacted, or needs fertilizer, Irish Moss could suffer. Good luck!

[@anniegrace1784]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your beautiful garden. I just bought Irish Moss from 6 inch containers at the garden store. The containers are deep and the root system even extends out under the container through the holes. My landscaper installed a pave stone patio over rock sand and then just a thin layer of soil. I can’t dig a 1 inch deep hole to plant the moss because I hit the rock layer. I added as much soil as possible between the rocks and yet I’m still only able to tear off a thin layer of moss from its well established root system (probably one inch at the most). So imagine a round container about 6 inches in circumference and 7 inches deep of compacted roots that are all intertwined and I’m only able to use less than an inch and discarding all that much of its’ roots. Am I hurting the Irish moss by tearing off thin chunks away from a significant portion of its roots? Should I also tear it away by hand or cut off the top portion? Also, should I discard the 6 inches of roots or push into a separate section of the garden away from flagstone patio where it is deep with soil and hope it grows as ground cover or is it of no use without the green growth shaved off? Thank you so much

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi Annie, You've asked a few questions, so here goes: I have dug up a lot of Irish Moss in my days to transplant elsewhere. I have never dug up more than 2 inches of roots, and they seem to not even miss a beat. I actually use a sod cutter in areas. So, I wouldn't worry about leaving the roots in the pot. The good news is that your Irish Moss sounds like it is well established, and therefore hardier. I would tend to think the remaining roots would not produce any longer because you've cut the stems off, past the beginning of the roots. That said, you could always try. I like cutting fibrous roots, versus tearing, in general. But, tearing might be just fine. It's just not what I do. For long-term health and natural propagation of the Irish Moss, however, I would suggest you try to create a deeper hole than one inch in between your flagstones. Even if the moss can get moisture, it needs nutrients from the soil, beneath the rock sand layer. I hope this helps somewhat! Good luck!

[@anniegrace1784]

@@RosannesGarden thank you very much. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. It’s very helpful

[@cnt4704]

I watched both of your video, part 1 & 2. Your garden is so beautiful and the videos are very informative! I just learnt great info about using real moss for shady area. My backyard (south facing with 1/3 of the yard in partial shade and other 1/3 in total shade) is set up with subsurface drip line system for planting grass (to save water. I am in Southern California, zone 9b). I've been debating between planting grass or moss. After watching your videos, I decide to go flagstones (great idea!) and Irish Moss instead. I am planning to keep the subsurface drip lines in between the flagstones and grow moss on top of it. What do you think about the drip line underneath to water the Irish Moss? Any potential problem ( to moss/flagstones), do you think, it could be by watering Irish Moss this way? I wonder if real moss survive in zone 9? Thank you

[@RosannesGarden]

Thank you so much. I'm so glad you are interested in growing Irish Moss and installing flagstones. It is a great look! I've been thinking about your situation and I think the success of an underground drip system for Irish Moss is really dependent on how deep it is. I say that because mature, established Irish Moss has roots that are about 2 inches deep. Therefore, in the long-run, you would need to have the drip system at least that deep, so that the Irish Moss has room for its roots to grow. However, in the short term, you will need to make sure that the new Irish Moss gets enough water for its shallow roots. Does that make sense? Whatever you decide, check on newly planted moss regularly to make sure it is getting enough water. It only takes a few minutes to water Irish Moss from above, if using a hose. Maybe you augment your underground system with some above ground watering? Alternatively, you do need to watch out for overwatering also. In short, underground systems can be tricky because you can't really see how much water is getting to the roots without some detective work (like digging up small patches and examining the roots). We have a combination of drip and overhead rotors. The drip hoses are above ground, however, and we don't use it for our Irish Moss, except in a very few small spaces. Sorry this is so long, and probably doesn't answer your question very directly. My best advice is to try things, but keep a close eye on it for needed adjustments. Good luck!

[@cnt4704]

@@RosannesGarden Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. The info in your response is very helpful if I ever decide to keep the subsurface drip line for watering the Irish moss. It is most likely the case! My backyard has a big cement patio in the middle and the 2 areas on both the side of the patio (for flagstones/Irish moss) is 264 sqft and 378 sqft respectively. I want to have as much Irish moss in between the flagstones as possible. My intention is to have a lot of green (because I already have a big cement patio) for a relatively small backyard (your Design Idea for Narrow Garden Spaces video is very entertaining. It gives me ideas to create my small yard!) -In your experience, what is the maximum distance (inches/feet) between 2 flagstones that I can install? I know that Irish moss mounds. I'd like to create a "FLAT-no-mow-lawn" as much as possible. -A third of the area is in total shade. What type of real moss would you recommend for shade area? I am in zone 9b. Thank you.

[@djratino]

I made a circle around an old maple tree. Lemon Coral sedum grows great there. Have no trouble with weeds. Can Irish moss be planted in between the sedums? The hot sun is shaded by the tree. I'm guessing the base gets 6 or more hours of direct sunlight on sunny days. Also the area stays damp. I keep it moist with a layer of clay buster on the top. Clay buster is real fine mulch left over from larger mulch I'm told.

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi! Sorry for the delayed response. I've been thinking about your situation and it sure seems to me that Irish Moss should do well in between your sedums. It's a great filler for in between plants. I don't know your zone, or hot your sun gets, but as long as the area stays moist, Irish Moss appreciates sunshine. If you live in Arizona, though, it may be too much sun. Hope this helps!

[@tracyehrenberg6074]

great information! what is that plant growing ON the steps by your legs?

[@RosannesGarden]

Thanks, glad you liked the video! The lovely little plant, which needs very little soil to take hold, is Stone Crop Sedum (Sedum ellacombianum). Earlier in the summer, it has bright yellow flowers. I have a picture of it in one of my videos from this summer, but I'm not sure which one. It's a cutie.

[@achinreirfarmisaacson5038]

Hi Rosanne, I wonder if you can tell the top tips for growing Irish Moss from seed?

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi! I wish I could, but I propagate our Irish Moss by division. But, the Irish Moss fills in itself due to self seeding. Plus I have patches coming up in places I've never planted it. So, all that being said, I'd try to duplicate what Mother Nature does. The seeds are TINY, so dust them lightly over barely-loosened soil and press them in so that they don't migrate. Then mist often so that they don't dry out. That's the best I've got. Good luck!

[@ZtGeist]

Such a Great, beautiful garden! Let me explain my situation to get some advice. I am gonna move a new townhouse with a small garden. However this garden is Northbound that means having few sunlights, especially from falll to winter time. I am afraid that grass woud not grow well here. Ah, this is around Seoul Korea. So I am looking for a substitute. then I came cross this video. Thanks a lot for some insight about substitution. As i have checked the USDA zone 4(as you wrote) Minneapolis. Compared to there, Seoul maybe zone 5 or so. That means less cold, more hot. This garden has shade and sufficient moisture. Then Irish moss can live well here, do you think? I wish I could succeed... Thanks.

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings to Seoul! Thank you! While Irish moss (Sagina subulata) can thrive with less sun than grass normally needs, it does require some sun. The fall/winter time with little light should not be a problem, as mine is under snow for most of the winter. I"d say you should have two to four hours of sun each day for the Sagina subulata to prosper and fill in. Other than that, your climate sounds ideal for the Irish Moss. The mosaic pattern of stone and Irish Moss pictured on the video thumbnail is on the north side of our house which does get some sun every day. Good luck! I'd love to hear how it works out! Rosanne

[@ZtGeist]

@@RosannesGarden How kind you are! Your advice would be so helpful. I think Irish moss can be a great substitute for lawn at many places where has few sunlight around world. Thanks a lot, Rosanne. Good luck to you.

[@andreabodine5782]

Great video! Do you think Irish Moss would do okay in a dense shaded/no sun area?

[@RosannesGarden]

No, unfortunately I do not think that the Sagina subulata, or Irish Moss would survive in that environment. It needs at least partial sun.

[@andreabodine5782]

Thank you!

[@justice_1337]

Just bought a sample of irish moss thinking of putting it in full shade northside of the house. Looks like I will be planting it on the northEAST corner of the house 😂

[@RosannesGarden]

Good choice! It will thank you and multiply 😍

[@karint1956]

I sweep my moss too!

[@RosannesGarden]

😊

[@jaedarzadon]

Do you replace brown patches of your Irish moss when they brown out? Or do you pick out dead area? Or just leave it alone until it grows back? Not sure if the issue I have is fungus.

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi, when I get little brown patches (like a quarter), I just let it grow back after I have treated the area. The fungus (Rhizoctonia, commonly referred to as "brown patch") leaves mostly round patches that eventually (if untreated) grow together into more of a messy look. I wasn't sure what my brown patches were, so I sent an Irish Moss sample off to the University of Minnesota and the Plant Pathology department did tests on it. They recommended using a fungicide to prevent more patches from appearing. Fungus mostly happens when plants are stressed, such as not having enough moisture, or too much moisture. If you have multiple little brown patches, it could be what I had. If you see little white spider-web-looking hairs called (mycelium) on the patch in the morning, right when there is dew on the ground, it is definitely a fungus. Hope that helps. Oh, when I get larger areas of brown die back (from who knows what), I dig it up and fill the area with soil so that it is receptive to more moss spreading/seeding.

[@smurfiennes]

I have more moss than grass in my backyard. I’m thinking of getting rid of the lawn and replace it with stepping stones and irish moss or other ground covers

[@RosannesGarden]

It sounds lovely! Be aware, I have found that real moss tends to win out when mixed with Irish Moss (Sagina subulata). I think it's that my Sagina subulata probably wasn't getting enough sun in those situations, and is weaker. Whatever you decide, good luck! 🌿

[@deborahcrawford8985]

Nice video. Thanks. Do you have any recommendations for removing clover from my moss? I’ve thought about lightly using blood meal for nitrogen which will stop the clover. Will it harm the Irish moss?

[@RosannesGarden]

Thanks. Other than trying to remove the clover by hand, I have no other suggestions. The bloodmeal contains a lot of nitrogen, and it would likely kill (burn) the Irish moss as well as the clover. Once weeds take hold in Irish moss, it can be difficult to eradicate without a total redo. Sorry I don’t have more positive information. Good luck! 🍀

[@karenwilliams9387]

Does your husband have a video on how he laid the stone directly on the ground and keep them level and not wobble?

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi. Wobbling is a problem that takes finesse. He looks at the contours of the bottom of the stone and roughs it in with the dry, sifted soil. Then, he wiggles it back and forth until there is reasonable contact . Testing for wobbles, he very gingerly adds soil to where the stone wants to tip downward. This is an iterative process and can take awhile for each stone to be secured. After a week or so, new wobbles may appear and he adds soil here and there until the wobble disappears. I agree it would be a fantastic video. Maybe the next time we lay a path or patio, I'll get him to talk about it. Unfortunately, we are reaching our max for stonework. But, you never know. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Sofi_CraftsandMore35]

I love the plants that were on your steps... what are they called?

[@tinekejoldersma]

Looks like an Aeonium arboerum kind.

[@RosannesGarden]

Great guess since the sedum didn't have it's yellow flowers. 😊

[@jingminyew5778]

Hi Rosanne, it is ok to trim the Irish moss? I actually trimmed the top part of it before I found your video. Please let me know if they can grow back to normal 😢

[@RosannesGarden]

I would think it would be just fine. Much like clipping other perennials down. I've never had to do it, mine never get taller than an inch, or so.

[@ArtbyMagic]

It seems like your moss is full time job. But it looks great. Congratulations

[@RosannesGarden]

Thanks , glad you like it! Irish Moss does take a lot of nurturing, especially in the early stages. Once it's fully established, it's relatively low maintenance, except for weeding and watering.

[@mkborders113]

I live in Ga , zone 8 and we planted Irish moss in between flag stone in a shady area . It is not doing well … and we have kept it watered and moist at least every other day. Not sure why it is not doing well 😢

[@RosannesGarden]

Greetings to Georgia! I'm so sorry to hear that your Irish Moss isn't doing well. It's always frustrating when you don't know why a plant isn't doing well. My Irish Moss does best in dappled shade. It definitely needs some sunlight. Also, the more sun, the more water it needs. Conversely, the less sun it gets, the less water it needs. Maybe too little sun and too much water?? Just a hunch. Good luck!

[@cindyjensen1024]

I also live in zone 4 but it is the high desert of southeast Idaho. Rather than Minnesota's 38 inches of rain our annual amount is only 13. Do you think the Irish moss would survive here?

[@RosannesGarden]

I would certainly try with a small amount, but it sounds like you would need to augment the rainfall quite often by watering. I try to give mine a drink every other day in the height of summer.

[@canadianfilipinpole]

So I have been growing the Irish moss since 2021. It has been doing ok and has been slowly spreading. Unfortunately there have been some high point spots that have turned brown. I believe those parts have dried out and died. What's these best way to deal with this problem?

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi Paul, I'm not sure I totally understand your problem, but I'd like to help if I can. How large are the dead spots and are they circular? Have they started as spots the size of coins? How much higher are they than the surrounding area? Are they in full or partial sun? Do they get regular moisture? Fungal problems in Irish Moss tend to start with spots (one fungus is commonly called "Dollar Spot" because the spots are the size of a silver dollar). Dog urine is another issue (with us) that leads to larger dead spots. Let me know. I'm curious.

[@winnitaqi]

I have brown patches almost every year and don't know it causes by fungus. I thought it was dried out. Thanks.

[@RosannesGarden]

Mystery solved!

[@teresabuck3305]

What soil do you use for the Spanish moss

[@RosannesGarden]

Hi, we just used our own regular soil for the Irish Moss, or Sagina subulata. I do fertilize it with organic nitrogen from time to time if it looks weak.

[@gordonscott6180]

What time of year is best to transplant it?

[@RosannesGarden]

In general, I like transplanting perennials in the spring, just as they are really emerging and the sun is not too hot yet. But, I have transplanted Sagina subulata all times of the growing season, although still with a preference to late spring. Hot sun is hard on it (especially this year, which is extra hot), so if you transplant it in full sun, do be sure to give it water daily. Actually, regardless of where you transplant it, be sure to keep it moist until it's fully established. Good luck!

[@janbarker6373]

Do you fertilize the moss?

[@RosannesGarden]

I fertilize every year or two with a low dose balanced organic granular fertilizer (something like 4-5-4)

[@mybestideas1]

It seems beautiful but too high maintenance for me.