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RHS guide
View 1, 25 Sept 2026
Pearlwort (Irish moss)
Sagina subulata
Low, mossy mound of fine needle-like leaves with tiny pearl-like flower buds. A reduced-shelf rescue.
- Common name
- Pearlwort (Irish moss)
- Section
- Houseplants
- Spot
- Indoors
- Soil
- Mixed compost
- Options
Potential
A low green carpet for a shallow display, paving gaps or a suitable rock-garden setting. Its appearance resembles moss, but it is a flowering plant.
- From
- Rescued from a reduced shelf (with root rot), Sep 2026
- Age
- About 1 year
- Next repot
- Around Apr 2027
- Edible
- ❌ Not for eating.
- Hardy
- ✅ Fully
- Garden-centre price
- about £5
Did you know?
Sold as “Irish moss”, but it is a flowering plant rather than a true moss. It belongs to the carnation family.
Care & updates
- Next root check
- Apr 2027
- What to expect
- Steady growth from spring to late summer, then a winter rest. New leaves every few weeks in the growing season.
- Observation
Recovered well after root rot. A few brown patches in the middle of the mound; mostly fresh green growth.