Also known as Pearlwort · 154 gardener saves
Sagina: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Sagina, the genus most gardeners know as pearlwort. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Sagina varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedIrish Moss
Sagina subulata
#2 most savedGolden Scotch Moss
Sagina subulata 'Aurea'
#3 most savedIrish Moss, Pearlwort
Sagina subulata 'Pearlwort'
How to grow Sagina
What the Sagina varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Sagina year
- PlantMarch, April and September100% of varieties
Plant plugs or divisions in early spring or early fall
- DivideMarch100% of varieties
Divide dense mats every few years to rejuvenate growth
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Rake gently to remove any winter debris or dead foliage
- Check for PestsJune67% of varieties
Check for slugs and snails, especially in damp conditions
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
Avoid
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t let soil stay waterlogged
- Never fertilize heavily—too much can cause legginess
What goes wrong with Sagina
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and spray with miticide |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of stems | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Sagina
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil moist for 2 weeks until germination occurs
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Plant divisions in prepared soil and water thoroughly
Sagina questions
How many types of Sagina are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Sagina varieties. The most popular — ranked by 154 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Sagina grow in?
Across its varieties, Sagina covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sagina bloom?
Most Sagina varieties bloom in mid-spring, late spring, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sagina should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Sagina shows up in
Design with Sagina in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
