Sagina subulata

RHS Plant Profile
heath pearlwort

Other common names

lawn pearlwort, lawn spurrey

Herbaceous Perennial Alpine Rockery

A low-growing evergreen perennial, forming dense mats of slender stems that root at the the nodes, with fine, linear mid-green leaves held in pairs along the stems. Tiny white flowers are held up on stems to 4cm high in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
A genus of 20 to 30 mat-forming annual or perennial herbs, native to temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. The slender foliage is emerald green and moss-like, and small white flowers appear in the summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, acid to neutral soil, in full sun with some midday shade. Dislikes intense heat, drought and waterlogging. May become leggy in too much shade. Tolerates light foot traffic, good for gaps in paving as well as rock gardens, troughs and small, low-use lawns

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in containers in autumn, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required, but may be trimmed back from paving to keep edges neat

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, and to red spider mite if grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free