Pavers & Irish Moss

A natural stone paver walkway.

Stone pavers and Irish moss can be combined to make a lovely path to a sitting area or flower garden. Pavers are fairly easy to install and Irish moss can be worked in nicely around the pavers or along the edge of the pathway. Plant crocus bulbs underneath the Irish moss for a lovely early spring display to lift the winter doldrums.

History

Irish moss originally came from northern Europe. According to the British Natural History Museum, it is native to Scotland where it is also called Heath Pearlwort.

Stone pavers date all the way back to Ancient Rome. Romans used them to pave roads. Many of these roads are still in use.

Types

Irish moss, or Sagina subulata, is a deep green color. Scotch moss, or Sagina subulata aurea, is a charteuse green.

There are three types of stone pavers: natural stone, brick, and concrete. Natural stone pavers are made from quarried stone.

Features

Irish moss is an evergreen plant. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Irish moss has a lush moss-like foliage and produces small white flowers in the late spring and early summer. It grows in mounds to two to four inches tall and 12 inches around. It does well in sun or shade but prefers a neutral or slightly acidic soil that drains well. Irish moss can tolerate foot traffic and does very well planted between and around stone pavers.

Pavers are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, patterns and colors. Flat natural stone or concrete pavers would work best for stepping stones surrounded by Irish moss.

Misconceptions

Irish moss Sagina sublata is not actually a moss. It is a perennial plant. There is a different Irish moss that is actually a red seaweed. Chrondrus crispus, the other Irish moss, is a type of seaweed. That type of Irish moss will not thrive between stone pavers.

Considerations

Irish moss needs a slightly acidic or neutral soil. It will not grow in a sand/gravel bed, which is what pavers are usually set in. There will have to be soil between the pavers for the Irish moss to grow in. Pavers will have to be set 12 inches apart to allow for the Irish moss to grow without growing over the pavers, unless that is the desired effect. It can also be trimmed back if necessary.

References

• WSU Whatcom County Extension: Plant of the Month: Irish Moss
• PaverSearch: Stone Pavers Shapes: About Stone Pavers Shapes
• Farmer Seed and Nursery: Irish Moss