High Country Gardens
Scotch Moss (Sagina subulata 'Aurea')
Best low-maintenance groundcover for gardeners seeking vibrant, foot-traffic-friendly landscape accents.
Scotch Moss, Sagina subulata ‘Aurea’, is a vibrant, low-growing perennial that forms a dense, moss-like carpet of bright chartreuse foliage. This evergreen plant thrives in full sun to part shade and is remarkably low maintenance. It tolerates occasional foot traffic, making it perfect for pathways and between pavers. In spring, delicate white flowers appear. Its brilliant color provides a striking contrast in rock gardens, containers, and small spaces, ideal for mass planting.
$9.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 2513
#28 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Mature Height
1
/ inch tall
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance weed control
- Gardeners seeking a vibrant, year-round pop of color
- Landscapers needing durable filler for stone pathways
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in arid or drought-prone regions
- Owners of gardens with intense, direct afternoon sun
- Gardeners dealing with heavy, poorly draining soil
Performance breakdown
Groundcover density
Creates a lush, uniform carpet that effectively suppresses unwanted garden weeds.
Foot traffic resilience
Handles light stepping well but struggles under heavy, consistent daily use.
Visual impact
Chartreuse foliage provides a high-contrast pop against darker garden elements.
Maintenance effort
Requires minimal intervention once established in the correct soil conditions.
Pollinator utility
Delicate spring blooms offer a reliable nectar source for local pollinators.
Hardiness range
Reliably perennial across a broad spectrum of temperate climate zones.
Key Specs
Mature Height
1 inch tall
Mature Spread
12 inches wide
Hardiness Zones
USDA 4-8
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Spring
Fragrance Level
No Fragrance
Features
- Forms a soft, moss-like carpet
- Brilliant chartreuse foliage
- Tolerates light foot traffic
- Evergreen for year-round appeal
- Low maintenance care
- Ideal for rock gardens and containers
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Drought tolerant
What customers say
The quality of the Scotch Moss plants received is a consistent highlight among customers. Reviewers frequently praise the robust health and strong root systems upon arrival, ensuring reliable establishment in various garden settings. This ease of growth makes it an excellent, low maintenance groundcover solution. The vibrant golden hue of the 'Aurea' variety consistently meets or exceeds expectations, delivering significant visual appeal and confirming its value as a dependable landscape addition.
Know before you buy
Yes, Scotch Moss is an excellent choice for filling gaps between pavers. It tolerates light foot traffic and maintains a low, dense profile that stays well below the height of most stones.
Yes, Sagina subulata 'Aurea' is an evergreen perennial. You can expect its vibrant chartreuse foliage to provide color and texture in your garden year-round, even in colder climates.
This plant is quite versatile and performs well in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it appreciates a bit of afternoon shade to prevent the foliage from scorching.
Despite its name and appearance, it is not a true moss. It is a flowering perennial that mimics the look of moss while being much more durable and capable of handling varied soil conditions.
While it is considered drought-tolerant once established, it prefers moderate watering. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained, especially during the first growing season.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$10