Sagina subulata Aurea

Common Name:
Golden Irish Moss
Scotch Moss

Description:
Sagina subulata ‘Aurea’ is a dense, low-growing evergreen ground cover prized for its vibrant golden-green moss-like foliage and soft, carpet-forming habit. This charming variety creates a lush, cushiony effect that is ideal for softening the edges of paving, filling gaps between stepping stones, brightening rockeries, or forming a fine-textured living carpet in cool, moist garden spaces. In Melbourne, it performs best in full sun to part shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil and appreciates some protection from harsh afternoon heat during the peak of summer. Small white flowers may appear in spring and summer, adding an extra layer of delicate seasonal interest above the foliage. Sagina subulata ‘Aurea’ is especially useful in cottage gardens, alpine-style plantings, miniature landscapes, and decorative pots where its bright colour and tidy habit can be fully appreciated. It prefers cooler conditions and regular moisture to maintain its best appearance.

Form:
• Ground Cover
• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
• Height: 2–5 cm
• Width: 20–40 cm, spreading wider over time

Aspect:
• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:
• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
• White

Key Attributes:
• Suitable for Pots
• Herbaceous
• Perennial
• Evergreen
• Suitable for between pavers
• Suitable for rockeries
• Suitable for edging
• Low growing
• Moss-like foliage
• Bright golden foliage
• Ideal for alpine gardens
• Suitable for fairy gardens
• Soft lawn-like appearance
• May struggle in prolonged heat or dry conditions
• Not suitable for heavy foot traffic

Toxicity:
Not generally considered toxic to humans or pets. As with most ornamental plants, ingestion may still cause mild stomach upset if consumed in quantity.

Companion Plants:
• Pratia puberula ‘Blue’
• Isotoma fluviatilis
• Dichondra repens
• Mazus reptans
• Viola hederacea
• Campanula
• Ajuga reptans
• Leptinella squalida