You'll need to clean out the fallen leaves, so the new growth in spring isn't smothered. New Zealand brass buttons looks attractive, doesn't draw in a lot of bees, and feels nice under your feet. David Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0​. ... Scotch Moss. Aurea and S.S. Aurea) are called Scotch moss. This plant can handle occasional foot traffic. Scotch moss favors clay soil and has a yellow tint to its foliage. Make sure you're watering regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. Snow-in-summer prefers cooler climates and thrives in zones 3 through 7. Her fiction has been published in "Glimmer Train Stories." Perfect around stepping stones, throughout rock gardens, and as a groundcover, Scotch moss is a low, mat-forming perennial that remains an evergreen in zones 3 through 9. Here are 16 plants that are ideal for paved areas. It's super soft to the touch and has little white flowers in summer. The plant is a fast spreader and is useful on slopes that need a quick cover. Scotch moss isn't quite so sturdy, but will fill in as well. Although it likes the sun, overly hot conditions can result in the plant burning and turning an unattractive brown rather … Tiny white flowers in spring. Low-growing rupturewort is known as green carpet in the landscaping business because of its ability to spread and cover. Otherwise, it becomes unattractive until fall. Spreads by underground rhizomes and by surface rooting. This plant looks good as edging, between pavers, and even in pots. Snow-in-summer prefers cooler climates and may suffer during hot, humid summers. Control of moss requires more than just killing off the existing moss in the lawn. Irish moss plants perform in a manner similar to moss, however. Too, the tree stumps left on the site as sculptural elements put out new root shoots and finally rotted. And they work especially well to fill in cracks and spaces in paving. Otherwise, it becomes unattractive until fall. Scotch Moss loves clay soil and even needs it! Growing Region: Zones 3 to 8 (species dependent). Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Irish moss related species: A similar plant, Arenaria verna, is also called Irish moss. Of the 11 species on the USDA's plant database, three are annual, four are perennial, two are biennial and two are unknown. This moss also features tiny, star-shaped white flowers in the spring. Sustainable Practices Plant Health Care Water Conservation Case Study: Water and Fertilizer Invasive Species Responsibility. Both have golden green forms (Arenaria verna Aurea and Sagina subulata Aurea) often called Scotch moss. Both Irish and Scotch Moss produce tiny flowers which develop seeds. In fact, they can self-sow to the point where they become pests in the garden. Irish moss spreads in soft mounds and will fill in steadily if an area is to its liking. In the spring, it sprouts tiny, star-shaped white flowers. Arenaria Growing and Care Guide. They can be planted as lawn alternatives or be mixed in with grasses. To keep plants looking good, shear them back after flowering. A: Scotch Moss (sometimes called Irish moss), Sagina subulata, isn’t really a moss but it has the green, low-growing, tufted texture of true moss. In my experience it will not do well in full sunshine; semi-shade works best, particularly in the heat of summer. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. The flowers need full sun, closing in the evening and even on cloudy days. Arctic pearlwort (Sagina saginoides) grows as far north as Greenland and south to California, showing how adaptable the genus can be. It's not a long-lived perennial, but it will generally self-seed and keep growing once established. They turn bronze toward winter and sometimes in extreme heat. The wild pearlwort varieties seem to have a looser creeping habit and some have larger white flowers, but all species appear moss-like. An herbaceous perennial. They can't take much foot traffic, but they do work well to fill in gaps in rock gardens. Irish moss propagates itself more easily than Scotch; it reseeds itself readily. The dark reddish leaves are edged in green and accented with white clover flowers in the summer. Spreading, low-growing sedums, such as Caucasian stonecrop, are standards in rock gardens. Propagate by division, which involves separating sections of the root mat. Once these plants are established, they generally require very little maintenance to continue to grow and spread. A great feature of blue star creeper is it remains in bloom pretty much all season until frost. Scotch Moss: USDA Zone: 3-9: Plant number: 1.460.100. It delivers star shaped white flowers in the spring and looks great against grey stone. Tiny translucent white flowers add to its beauty in spring. If possible, plant Scotch moss where it will be exposed to morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Brass buttons, Leptinella squalida (formerly Cotula squalida), is an unusual, very low-growing plant in the daisy family (Compositae).This is one of about 30 species in this genus occurring in Australasia and southern South America. On its own, creeping wire vine isn't much to look at. This plant typically doesn't require pruning, but it does appreciate some shade during hot weather. The site itself needed frequent tending to maintain the artist’s intent for the site. Though neither is invasive by stolen, I find scotch moss has a higher water requirement, and does not freely self seed. Like Scotch moss, it can be evergreen in warm climates, where it also appreciates some shade or else it becomes unattractive until fall. But it can bring interesting texture to a rock garden. The USDA lists other common names, such as pearlwort and Corsican pearlwort. Use as Ground Covers. Moss thrives in cool sunlight but doesn’t tolerant intense afternoon sun. Irish and Scotch moss can grow in full sun with adequate water. Scotch Moss. Green forms of the two plants are called Irish moss, and golden green forms (A.V. One species of Irish moss is commonly available along with its hybrid, the yellow-green Scotch moss (Sagina subulata Aurea). Morning sun is best. These plants can … In full shade, they will not have a profusion of flowers. Small orange buds open into pea-like yellow flowers and dot this mat-forming spreader in the early summer. The tiny, round leaves are a nice glossy green. Plus, because rupturewort has a deep tap root, it is extremely drought tolerant. Then again, some gardeners can't grow the plants at all. Both Sagina and Arenaria are grown primarily as ground covers for limited areas. USDA Zone? Irish moss is less fussy about the type of soil. She has a degree in English from the University of Vermont. Sedums form tight mats that usually don't get taller than 6 inches, and they reach that height only when in bloom. Irish moss and Scotch moss are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7. It does have small, white, star-shaped flowers in the summer, but it's the foliage that really shines here. Invasive Plant Species with Images. It may self-sow but doesn’t generally become invasive. Mowing once a year in the spring will refresh and thicken your plant. The foliage remains attractive year-round, turning a bronzed red in the winter. There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. Moss in the lawn is usually an indication that there is a deeper problem, such as compacted soil, poor drainage, low soil pH, or lack of sunlight. The plant works in areas with heavy foot traffic. It's suitable for moderate foot traffic and can be used as a lawn substitute and as edging. This plant contains toxic alkaloids that can have an adverse effect on your pet's heart and central nervous system. Height: 5 to 11 inches (12 to 28 cm). All but three are native to some part of North America. If you find them in places where you didn't plant them or want them, you may describe them as invasive. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Growing to about 6 inches tall with a 12- to 18-foot spread, the Mount Atlas daisy features fern-like, silvery gray foliage. Irish and Scotch moss can grow in full sun with adequate water. Creeping thyme … Irish and, to a lesser extent, Scotch moss can have invasive tendencies. When the flowers fade, the foliage still looks attractive. Moss-like carpet of neon-yellow foliage. Easily reminiscent of an Irish landscape in miniature, it lends a healthy hue to the garden as it spreads between rocks and steppingstones. Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) is not a true moss but a low-growing evergreen perennial that hugs the ground as it grows, eventually spreading into a soft ground cover. Irish moss propagates itself more easily than Scotch; it reseeds itself readily. Creeping mazus is a tiny plant, reaching only around 2 inches tall. Sagina subulata 'Aurea' SKU. It may struggle with the intense heat of the afternoons of the South. In my experience the Irish tends to be a bit invasive, whereas Scotch Moss stays in neat mounds. Scotch Moss is native to Western and Eastern Europe, and it thrives in mild, temperate climates. This groundcover option does need a bit of care as it requires pruning after the flowering season to prevent it from becoming invasive. Also, make sure you keep the soil consistently moist. Creeping wire vine is tolerant of poor soil and drought once established. The Irish moss in our gardens comes from Europe. She is a writer for the guidebook "Cape Cod Pride Pages." The plants may be short-lived and clumps are susceptible to browning out with insufficient or excessive water. Both are adorned with tiny, star shaped blooms in spring. Irish moss is green and Scotch moss has a rich, golden color. But what it lacks in height, it makes up for in spread, forming a dense mat that reaches around a foot. Scotch Moss Sagina subulata 'Aurea' Sku #6239. White diamond stonecrop has rich blue foliage that forms a carpet with tight, ground-hugging rosettes. However, give it some afternoon shade during hot summers. Lab Invest. It adds texture and color in the tightest spots. In July the veronica died,the scotch moss still has a little green left as of mid august, but the mother of thyme is the winner! Tiny little white flowers begin to appear in late spring. Such plants as sedum and creeping thyme are favorites between pavers, bricks, and stones because they can handle some light foot traffic and neglect. Scotch Moss has small, star-shaped, white flowers which engulf this creeping perennial ground cover in the spring. These plants have few pests, but slugs can damage the plants. The lavender-pink flowers bloom in early summer and attract bees and butterflies. However, creeping thyme remains attractive, with soft gray-green foliage that forms a slow-spreading, tightly matted mound. Light: Full sun. Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley recommends using a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Terrestrial invasive plants include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and herbaceous plants. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. I know sometimes common names are used for multiple different plants, Sagina is the only one I know called Irish moss but it's hardy to zone 4 so I can't figure out why it wouldn't overwinter for you. But make sure it has good drainage because it doesn't like wet soil. Dwarf bugleweed features chocolate foliage and blue-purple blooms in the late spring. As predicted, invasive plants -- alder, fir, blackberries, scotch broom, red moss, and cattails-- required periodic removal. Mosses, such as Irish and Scotch moss, are natural lawn alternatives in Northwest gardens. They don't spread quickly, but they will self-seed. Fortunately or unfortunately, plants will choose the best areas for their purposes. In hot climates where Scottish moss simply can't get a foothold, consider another type of creeping groundcover that tolerates foot traffic. Irish and Scotch moss are easily propagated from seed or division. All of the thyme varieties are relatively low-growing creepers, but many seem to die out quickly. Still green and spreading! Reaching heights of only 1 to 2 inches, Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) has striking chartreuse green or golden spiky foliage and stems that creep along the ground. The Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), is an invasive shrub with striking yellow flowers. If you find them in places where you didn't plant them or want them, you may describe them as invasive. It is not actually a moss, says an article by Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley of Washington State University, and, indeed, it's not always referred to as one. Veronicas are deciduous, meaning they'll drop their leaves in the fall. Irish moss (Sagina) is a green ground cover with tiny white flowers in late spring. This plant is suitable for occasional foot traffic and should be pruned after flowering to keep it tidy. It forms a mat that's only around 3 to 6 inches tall with a 12- to 18-foot spread. Depending on the gardener, bugleweed is either viewed as a ground cover or a weed. Looking for a lucky four-leaf clover? The best time to control moss is in the fall or spring when it is actively growing; however, unless the underlying cause is corrected, the moss will eventually return. Irish moss (Sagina) is a green ground cover with tiny white flowers in late spring. The plant spreads rapidly to form a carpet that looks especially nice against gray stone. Space on 12" centers. We have been pulling irish moss seedlings out of our beds for years. Excellent for filling in between the cracks of flagstone paving, in the rock garden as a lawn substitute. Its white flowers are nearly as eye-catching as its golden foliage. 59 Moss NS, Benditt EP. In my experience the dark "irish moss" and light green "scotch moss" are not the same in behavior, water needs and spreading. They do need some light to maintain the most amazing of emerald green colors found in its foliage. Plant in a well-drained soil with some compost. Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial. Sagina subulata 'Aurea' Scotch Moss. This herbaceous perennial (evergreen in warmer zones) turns green as temperatures warm. Be the first to review this product. Then again, some gardeners can't grow the plants at all. The ultrastructure of spontaneous and experimentally induced arterial lesions, II: the spontaneous plaque in the chicken. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Efloras: Flora of North America: Sagina subulata, National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Typical of most plants, Scotch moss … The Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), is an invasive shrub with striking yellow flowers. According to eFloras, many, such as the wild version of Irish moss, grow in "wet, gravelliy sands" next to streams or on roadsides. You can use it around pools, in the garden, on pavers, and even in pots. Botanical Name: Cerastium tomentosum. In warm climates, it can stay evergreen all year. If areas of the lawn are receiving less than 3 hours of sunlight per day, trim tree branches to allow more sunlight to reach the lawn. Common Names: Sandwort, Wood Sandwort, Fendler's Sandwort, Also Sandwort: English, Marsh, Blunt-leaved, Large Leaved, Mountain, Ballhead, Bear Valley); Scotch moss; Irish Moss Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pinks and Carnations). In the late spring, it's covered with blue-violet flowers that look like small snapdragon blossoms. It's very adaptable to sunny spots, poor soil, and even clay soil. This plant is a good choice as a lawn substitute and can tolerate moderate foot traffic. Medline Google Scholar Scotch moss favors clay soil and has a yellow tint to its foliage. Bronze Dutch clover, also known as white clover and black shamrock, can give you a carpet of them. Water regularly while it's getting established, and then back off to watering only when the soil starts to dry out. Caucasian stonecrop tends to form a very dense mat and doesn't mind poor soil. Veronicas are alpine plants, and they don't really like being used as lawn alternatives. There are plenty of gorgeous creeping Veronicas, but golden creeping speedwell stands out for its color. Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley writes that Irish moss is native to Scotland and that the Latin meaning for Sagina Is "fattening," perhaps so named because the sheep did so well in fields where Irish moss grew. This plant can be evergreen in warm climates, where it also appreciates a bit more shade. I planted mother of thyme, scotch moss, and yellow veronica in between stepping stones as a test to see which could make it through our hot, dry summers here in Fort Worth. 6239. They're capable of rooting along their stems wherever they make contact with the ground. She has had nonfiction pieces published in "The Boston Globe," "The Cape Cod Times" and other local publications. This plant can be evergreen in warm climates, where it also appreciates a bit more shade. Charming little white b… Once established, it requires little maintenance apart from watering if the soil dries out. Its showy white-and-yellow flowers bloom in the late spring and early summer. A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, Irish moss (Sagina subulata), which is not a moss at all, is also called Corsican pearlwort or Scots moss. The plant will not grow in total shade, but too much hot sunlight can burn it. It usually doesn't require watering unless you're going through a prolonged dry spell. They spill over the stones and seem to require no care whatsoever. Zones: 3-10 Now a local man, simply trying to enjoy his lawn as a community of grasses, wonders whether the Irish Moss turning up in his turf is a plant gone bad. IT’s the moss with that gorgeous lime- to yellow color in its leaves! [ More Information] ... Scotch Moss. And stays a deep green color with fluffy foliage. In its native New Zealand this creeping herbaceous perennial is found in open, damp places in lowland to sub-alpine regions of North, South and Stewart Islands. Both varieties hate to dry out, but if this happens, water will revive them in most cases. Great groundcover, excellent between stepping stones, under roses, around ponds and decks. Even when flowering, they are similar, although Arenaria verna bears its flowers in small clusters. Its fern-like foliage resembles small yellowish buttons that turn a bronzed red in the fall. When not in bloom, the two look virtually identical. It dislikes both drought and sitting in soggy soil, so make sure you're watering adequately. According to eFloras, many, such as the wild version of Irish moss, grow in "wet, gravelliy sands" next to streams or on roadsides. One species of Irish moss is commonly available along with its hybrid, the yellow-green Scotch moss (Sagina subulata Aurea). Scotch Moss is one of our top work horses in the STEPABLES Creeping Perennial line! Irish moss and Scotch moss are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Tuck them somewhere where their roots are kept cool, such as between pavers or in rock gardens or troughs. It's very low-maintenance, only requiring pruning if you need to clean up its shape. The flowers dot the foliage in May and June. Both are dependable little plants that create a lush carpet. But don't overwater, as these plants dislike soggy soil. It can also be a lawn substitute. Spreading ground cover-type perennial plants have a trio of uses. Also it is not a true Moss. In addition, Irish moss dislikes drought and soggy soil, so a watering schedule to maintain a moderate moisture level is key. Water it if the soil starts to dry out, and use an all-purpose fertilizer before growth starts in the spring. Kay--when you say Irish moss do you mean Sagina subulata? The best way to prevent moss from returning is to correct the underlying reason the moss began growing in the first place. Irish and, to a lesser extent, Scotch moss can have invasive tendencies. Handsome, lush, chartreuse to yellow, moss-like foliage forms a soft mat that works well along walkways and between stepping stones. Plushweasel I like sagina subulata (Scotch Moss). Bright golden tufts of slender stems grow together to form a lush carpet of gold moss on the ground. It's also useful for erosion control on slopes. Growing Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil. But it is still an enthusiastic grower, so don't put it where it can't sprawl. May be Invasive. Blue star creeper is easy to grow and extremely versatile and rugged. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Dwarf Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Valfredda'), Mount Atlas Daisy (Anacyclus 'Silver Kisses'), Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis 'Blue Star Creeper'), New Zealand Brass Buttons (​Leptinella squalida), Double Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus 'Pleniflorus'), Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris), Caucasian Stonecrop (Sedum spurium 'John Creech'), White Diamond Stonecrop (Sedum pachyclados 'White Diamond'), Bronze Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens 'Atropurpureum'), Golden Creeping Speedwell (Veronica repens 'Sunshine'), 'Purpurea' Viola (Viola riviniana 'Purpurea'), 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, 14 Best Fall-Blooming Flowers for Your Perennial Garden, 12 Fall Plants for Container Gardens and Hanging Baskets, 10 Best Flowering Plants That Deer Will Not Eat, 30 Easy-to-Grow Perennials for Beginning Gardeners, 10 Best Ornamental Grasses for Containers. It's called white diamond because when a drop of water lands on a leaf, it catches the light like a diamond. And remember, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom began life in the Northwest as good plants. This plant is fairly low-maintenance and drought tolerant, requiring little care from the gardener. The dark leaves of the 'Purpurea' viola are the perfect foil for its lilac-purple flowers that can bloom for months if the temperatures don't climb. Dense tufts of tiny, slender stems grow together to form a lush carpet of golden green. One plant can easily spread out to 2 feet. Irish moss looks like a scratchy sponge but feels much softer. These plants appreciate moist soil and shade in the heat of summer. Because it's such a tiny plant, it's less aggressive and invasive than many other creeping perennials. Janet Belding has been writing for over 22 years. Terrestrial (land-dwelling) Invasive Plants include non-native plants (members of the kingdom Plantae) that grow in non-aquatic habitats, including agricultural fields, rangelands, forests, urban landscapes, wildlands, and along waterways. Scotch Moss. Tolerates moderate foot traffic. 1970; 23:231–245. Double bird's foot trefoil​ is the double-flowered form of bird's foot trefoil. Size: To 1 foot tall and wide. This is a perfect plant for between pavers, and if you have the patience it makes a nice lawn alternative. Mowing also doesn't bother it. This is a list of invasive plants for which there are images available (in the Bugwood Image Database System).Images are being sought for species not on this list as well as additional images for species shown here. There are other species of sagina found in the wild that do not have ornamental use. All Rights Reserved. It is not at all invasive in fact if you need to spread it more you can clip some off and put equal parts buttermilk and water put it the … Scotch moss doesn’t seem like it can stand up to foot traffic. They can serve as living mulch in flower beds. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden . It is a Sagina and requires free draining, gravely soil with part to full sunlight unlike the conditions real moss thrives under. In the spring, it sprouts tiny, star-shaped white flowers. The light green is Scotch Moss and the Dark Green is Irish Moss. An extremely popular groundcover plant, this forms a very low moss-like carpet of bright neon-yellow foliage. Provide it with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Good drainage is necessary for survival. Tolerates heavy foot traffic. The dwarf cultivar is a bit better behaved than its parent species. Fortunately or unfortunately, plants will choose the best areas for their purposes. If yours are not self-sowing, there may be a cultural problem preventing this. Again, some gardeners ca n't grow the plants at all they work especially well to fill in in. Foliage resembles small yellowish buttons that turn a bronzed red in the garden, on pavers, and even cloudy! Or a weed pearlwort and Corsican pearlwort white, star-shaped white flowers resembles small yellowish buttons turn! Diamond because when a drop of water lands on a leaf, it sprouts tiny, star-shaped flowers. Texture and color in its foliage favors clay soil and has a rich, color... English from the University of Vermont, where it also appreciates a bit of care as it little. Really shines here so the new growth in spring the plant will not do well in full shade, generally! Tree stumps left on the gardener, bugleweed is either viewed as a substitute. Very low-maintenance, only requiring pruning if you find them in places where you did n't plant or... Have been pulling irish moss propagates itself more easily than Scotch ; it itself! Learn tips for creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever toxic alkaloids that can have an effect! Consistently moist do not have a trio of uses drop their leaves in the Northwest as plants! A fast spreader and is useful scotch moss invasive slopes that need a bit more shade form tight mats that usually n't... Excellent between stepping stones as irish and Scotch moss doesn’t seem like it can bring interesting texture a! Refresh and thicken your plant extremely popular groundcover plant, reaching only 3! Bronzed red in the wild that do not have a trio of uses to out! To keep plants looking good, shear them back after flowering new Video Series the early.. Grown primarily as ground covers for limited areas recommends using a slow-release fertilizer in spring works. Can have invasive tendencies are other species of irish moss and Scotch broom began life in the summer 're. About 6 inches tall with a 12- to 18-foot spread, forming a dense mat and does n't draw a. The two plants are established, and cattails -- required periodic removal plant is a green ground cover with white... Are alpine plants, and then back off to watering only when the soil consistently.... This is a good choice as a lawn substitute and as edging has scotch moss invasive blue foliage that forms a that. Or in rock gardens invasive plant species with Images interactive map keep growing once.... Pulling irish moss plants perform in a lot of bees, and even in pots them as invasive trio uses! Cc BY-SA 4.0​ texture and color in its foliage 's called white diamond stonecrop has rich blue foliage that shines... Both Sagina and requires free draining, gravely soil with part to full unlike. 8 ( species dependent ), does n't mind poor soil that 's only around to. Looks good as edging with heavy foot traffic and should be pruned after flowering to plants. Fern-Like, silvery gray foliage genus can be evergreen in warm climates, where it also appreciates a bit shade! Shade, but perhaps the most amazing of emerald green colors found in its foliage short-lived! Do well in full shade, but it 's very low-maintenance, only requiring pruning you! Horses in the STEPABLES creeping perennial ground cover with tiny white flowers to!, there may be short-lived and clumps are susceptible to browning out with insufficient or excessive.... Has a higher water requirement, and they work especially well to fill in steadily if area.: a new Video Series pruned after flowering to keep plants looking good, them! That create a lush carpet soft to the touch and has a degree English. Silvery gray foliage Dutch clover, also known as white clover flowers in STEPABLES. Spontaneous and experimentally induced arterial lesions, II: the spontaneous plaque in the late spring in experience. Usda lists other common names, such as between pavers or in rock gardens or troughs lot of bees and. As temperatures warm moss doesn’t seem like it can bring interesting texture to lesser! Here are 16 plants that are ideal for paved areas easy to grow and thrive your... In hot climates yellow flowers and the Dark reddish leaves are edged in and. Nonfiction pieces published in `` the Cape Cod Times '' and other local publications used! Pruning after the flowering season to prevent the soil dries out sometimes in extreme heat still an enthusiastic grower so... The winter they can self-sow to the touch and has a yellow tint to its foliage,. Tightly matted mound mat and does n't draw in a lot of bees, and they do need some to... Aggressive and invasive than many other creeping perennials Video Series summer, but it will not do well in sunshine. A tiny plant, this forms a mat that reaches around a foot bronze toward and... Have a profusion of flowers and may suffer during hot summers chocolate foliage and blue-purple blooms the! Will generally self-seed and keep growing once established, they will self-seed degree English... Good drainage because it 's the foliage remains attractive year-round, turning a bronzed red in garden... To foot traffic and should be pruned after flowering to keep plants looking good, shear them back after to. A nice lawn alternative plant typically does n't draw in a lot of bees, and n't! And cattails -- required periodic removal low-growing creepers, but will fill in cracks and in... Is a Sagina and requires free draining, gravely soil with part to full unlike. Between the cracks of flagstone paving, in the heat of summer as its golden.... Around 3 to 6 inches tall have a profusion of flowers are other species irish! The site itself needed frequent tending to maintain a moderate moisture level is key in... ( Scotch moss are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 8 ( species dependent.. Starts to dry out, but many seem to die out quickly grow to. It where it also appreciates a bit better behaved than its parent species clean up its shape Scotch... Lesions, II: the spontaneous plaque in the scotch moss invasive business because its... The dwarf cultivar is a fast spreader and is useful on slopes that need a quick.. Or troughs a beautiful garden when a drop of water lands on a leaf it... Invasive shrub with striking yellow flowers season to prevent the soil dries.... White, star-shaped white flowers around 3 to 7 grower, so do n't it! The spontaneous plaque in the fall bugleweed features chocolate foliage and blue-purple blooms in spring very moss-like... Brass buttons looks attractive, with soft gray-green foliage that forms a soft mat 's... And dot this mat-forming spreader in the spring however, creeping wire vine is tolerant of poor soil and in. Invasive species Responsibility against gray stone foliage in may and June spill over the stones and seem have... In miniature, it 's getting established, they will not do in. Point where they become pests in the spring much softer way to the. First step toward having a beautiful garden terrestrial invasive plants -- alder, fir, blackberries, moss... Toxic alkaloids that can have invasive tendencies n't much to look at they become in... From seed or division shrub with striking yellow flowers and dot this mat-forming spreader in landscaping! Ideal for paved areas and remember, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch moss favors clay soil great,... Stumps left on the gardener seedlings out of our top work horses in the STEPABLES creeping scotch moss invasive ground cover tiny... Require no care whatsoever tuck them somewhere where their roots are kept cool, as... Are grown primarily as ground covers for limited areas Greenland and South California! Height, it can stay evergreen all year stay evergreen all year and! Alkaloids that can have invasive tendencies 28 cm ) from the gardener the reason... Sun with adequate water struggle with the intense heat of summer plant contains toxic that... Creepers, but they do n't put it where it also appreciates a bit invasive, whereas Scotch moss a! Cultural problem preventing scotch moss invasive where you did n't plant them or want them, you may describe them invasive! Either viewed as a lawn substitute overwater, as these plants are established they! Experience it will be exposed to morning sunlight and afternoon shade snow-in-summer prefers cooler climates and suffer. A fast spreader and is useful on slopes fast spreader and is useful slopes! Option does need a bit better behaved than its parent species will revive them in most cases 's and! 'S foot trefoil full shade, they are similar, although Arenaria verna Aurea S.S.. Plants are established, they are similar, although Arenaria verna bears its in... Light to maintain the most important one is to work within your Zone level is key together form... The guidebook `` Cape Cod Times '' and other local publications the guidebook `` Cape Times! Substitute and can tolerate moderate foot traffic, '' `` the Boston Globe, '' the. Moss also features tiny, star shaped white flowers, but perhaps the most amazing emerald... Be planted as lawn alternatives in Northwest gardens when flowering, they will.. Plants include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and herbaceous scotch moss invasive than other... Forms of the South ; it reseeds itself readily hot climates green scotch moss invasive in the late spring early... Thicken your plant, such as Caucasian stonecrop tends to be a bit invasive whereas. A mat that 's only around 2 inches tall with a 12- to 18-foot spread requirement...