Plant star moss properly
Autumn is the ideal time to do creative garden design with star moss. In the sunny to partially shaded location, prepare the fresh, loose soil so that it is free of weeds, roots and stones. Then create small pits at a distance of 20-25 cm. During this work, soak the potted young plants in water until no more air bubbles rise. It continues in this order:
- Pot star moss and plant in the middle, not deeper than before in the nursery pot
- Enrich the excavation with a little compost and horn shavings (€ 6.39 at Amazon *) and distribute it around the plant
- Pour on and mulch with leaves, grass clippings or bark mulch
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The process is similar in the pot or balcony box. In addition, we recommend creating a 2 cm high drainage made of inorganic materials above the water drain in the bottom of the vessel to prevent waterlogging.
Care tips
In order to animate the graceful star blossoms to dance over the filigree leaf cushions, the horticultural choreography is as follows:
- Do not let star moss dry out at any time of the year
- Fertilization is not necessary in the bed
- Apply liquid fertilizer in the planter from April to August every 30 days
- For optical reasons, cutting is possible at any time
- Sweep away all leaves in autumn
Thanks to its frost-resistant constitution, the plant gets through the winter healthy without any special precautions. If star moss thrives in the bucket or balcony box, wrap the container with foil or jute and place it on cold-insulating wood or styrofoam.
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Which location is suitable?
The frugal plant makes no significant demands on the light and temperature conditions. As long as the soil is not dust-dry, star moss thrives without any problems in sunny locations. Mast herbs achieve their optimum in a partially shaded location with humus, fresh, moist and well-drained soil.
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The correct planting distance
Since star moss exceeds its height of 3-5 cm in the growth width by five times, the dimensioning of the planting distance is based on this specification. Place the young fattening herbs at a distance of 20-25 cm from each other in order to achieve a compact cushion. In the pot and balcony box, reduce this value by 5-10 cm.
What soil does the plant need?
The robust plant expresses its frugality, not least, by thriving in almost any soil. As long as there is no desert dryness or lethal waterlogging dominate, star moss happily spreads its thick carpet of flowers. For a plant in a tub, this means that commercially available potting soil with a low proportion of peat is sufficient as a substrate.
Cut star moss correctly
Star moss does not require maintenance pruning. It may be desirable to cut the plant into shape for optical reasons only. If the ground cover grows into the garden path, for example, or presses neighboring perennials in the planter, it can be cut back at any time. The same applies if the shoots hate due to lack of light. If the green carpet resembles a head of hair that has gotten out of shape, guide the secateurs over the eyrie and cut off anything that bothers you.
Pour star moss
Star moss doesn't like desert drought. You should therefore water the plant in the bed and tub regularly if the natural rainfall is insufficient. Since moisture evaporates from the evergreen foliage even during winter, water your fattening herbs on mild days when it is cold.
Fertilize star moss properly
In terms of nutrient supply, the undemanding frugality of star moss becomes apparent. If the plant thrives in the bed, rock garden, roof garden or on the grave, no fertilization is required. Only in the tightly limited substrate volume of the tub or balcony box are the nutrient stocks used up within 4-6 weeks after planting. In the period from April to August, the monthly application of liquid fertilizer makes sense. Then stop applying fertilizer so that the plant can prepare for the coming winter.
Overwinter
Star moss is frost-resistant down to - 34 degrees Celsius, so you do not have to worry about measures for wintering in the bed. It is important to note that in autumn the fallen leaves are consistently removed so that no rot forms underneath. Only for a plant in a pot or balcony box are some simple precautions to take so that the root ball does not freeze to death. Before the first frost, place the vessel on wood or styrofoam and cover it with jute, fleece or foil.
Propagate star moss
Once the practical and decorative benefits of star moss are known, the desire for more specimens results. The easiest way to multiply it is by division. To do this, dig up the plant in spring or autumn, divide the root ball into two or more segments and place them in the ground at the new location. If a larger number of fattening herbs is desired, sowing seeds can be considered. How to do it right:
- The months of March and April are the best time to sow behind glass
- Fill a seed tray with potting compost to scatter the seeds on
- Sieve thinly with sand or vermiculite, press down and moisten with a fine showerhead
- Put a transparent plastic hood over it and place it in the partially shaded, warm window seat
If the tiny cotyledons break through the seed coat, the hood has done its job. Keep the substrate slightly moist. The seedlings are pricked out when they have at least 2 pairs of leaves. By July / August, vital young plants have developed that are planted in the bed.
Star moss does not bloom
The pretty star blossoms are the icing on the cake for the ground cover. If the plant refuses this delicate carpet of flowers, there is usually a problem with the location. You will look in vain for the flowers in both dust-dry earth and waterlogged areas. If everything is OK in this regard, the plant is mostly a seedling-propagated specimen. Sown fattening herbs bloom for the first time in the second year at the earliest.
Nice varieties
- Aurea: The gold star moss captivates with light green, gold-yellow leaves and white star blossoms
- Irish moss: The white flowering plant with dark green foliage spreads the charm of simple naturalness
- Scotish Moss: This variety impresses with needle-like leaves in bright light green and dainty star blossoms
