Contents
Description
Sagina Maxima is a small, low-growing, creeping plant that is perfect for ground cover. It is also known as Irish Moss or Pearlwort. This plant belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is native to Europe and Asia. It has small, bright green leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Sagina Maxima is a hardy plant that can survive in different weather conditions and soil types.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Sagina |
Appearance
Sagina Maxima has small, bright green leaves that are less than 1 cm long. It has a creeping habit and forms a dense mat that is about 2-3 cm tall. This plant produces tiny white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are less than 1 cm wide and have five petals. Sagina Maxima is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for ground cover in rock gardens, between stepping stones, or as a filler in containers.
Care Guide
Water: Sagina Maxima prefers moist soil. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Sagina Maxima doesn’t require much fertilization. A balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring is enough.
Soil: Sagina Maxima prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate different soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil.
Sunlight: Sagina Maxima prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade, but the foliage may not be as dense.
Hardiness Zones: Sagina Maxima can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sagina Maxima is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It can also be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Sagina Maxima is native to Europe and Asia. It can be found in meadows, woodlands, and rocky areas. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sagina Maxima a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, Sagina Maxima is a great ground cover plant. It has a creeping habit and forms a dense mat that is perfect for filling in gaps between stepping stones, in rock gardens, or as a filler in containers.
Q: Does Sagina Maxima require a lot of maintenance?
A: No, Sagina Maxima is a low-maintenance plant. It doesn’t require much fertilization and can tolerate different soil types and weather conditions.
Q: Does Sagina Maxima attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Sagina Maxima produces tiny white flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Q: What is the best time to plant Sagina Maxima?
A: Sagina Maxima can be planted at any time during the growing season, but it is best to plant it in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Related Plants
- Sagina Subulata
- Sagina Procumbens
- Sagina Nodosa
References
- RHS Plants. (n.d.). Sagina maxima. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11053/Sagina-maxima/Details
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Sagina maxima. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b617
