Description of the bryozoan plant, rules for planting and caring for Irish moss in open ground, recommendations for reproduction, fight against diseases and pests, facts to note, species.
Bryozoan (Sagina) belongs to the Caryophylloideae family, in which free-petaled representatives of the flora are combined. According to The Plant List, as of 2010, the genus included about 19 varieties, of which one was hybrid. Today this indicator fluctuates within 50 units. In the vastness of Russia, 12 of them are found, and the most popular species is the styloid bryozoan (Sagina subulata). Species of the genus bryozoans are naturally distributed in the temperate and climatic zone of the Northern Hemisphere, but some of them are also found in more southern regions, often growing in mountainous regions with a tropical climate.
| Family name | Clove |
| Growing period | Perennial or one-year |
| Vegetation form | Herbaceous |
| Breeding method | Seed (while growing seedlings) and vegetative |
| Landing period in open ground | May |
| Landing rules | Leave about 5-10 cm between the plants |
| Priming | Loam |
| Soil acidity values, pH | 6-6.5 (neutral or slightly acidic) |
| Lighting degree | Well lit, partially shaded, also possible in full shade |
| Humidity parameters | Regular watering, especially in hot and dry weather 2-3 times a week |
| Special care rules | Does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil |
| Height values | 0.15–0.2 m |
| Inflorescences or type of flowers | Single flowers or loose semi-umbrellas |
| Flower color | White |
| Flowering period | May-September |
| Decorative period | Spring-Autumn |
| Application in landscape design | As a ground cover for rockeries, stone gardens |
| USDA zone | 3–8 |
The genus of bryozoans got its name in Latin thanks to the word "sagina", which meant "thickness" or "fullness", since a plant such as torus (Spergula arvensis), which was also called sagina toric (Sagina spergula), was used as feed for sheep and pigs. Often "sagina" is even translated as "food", confirming its purpose. It happens that the plant is called "Irish moss".
All bryozoans can have a long-term growth period or grow as annuals. Over time, perennial varieties are able to form spectacular sods. Stems usually spread on the soil surface or grow erect, can be ascending, do not exceed 15–20 cm in height. Shoot outlines are thin with dense branching, often rooting at nodes. The color of the stems can be either green or have a reddish tint.
A large number of leaves grow on the stems. The leaf plate is characterized by a narrow-linear shape or can take filiform or linear-subulate contours. The leaves are arranged in pairs opposite each other (opposite), sometimes there is the possibility of fusion at the base into a shortened sheath. The leaves are devoid of stipules. The color of the foliage is soft or rich green. The entire surface of both stems and leaves is covered with miniature glandular hairs.
During flowering, which is observed from May to early autumn, elongated flowering stems begin to decorate with small whitish flowers. The diameter of the flower in full disclosure is 3–10 mm. They can grow both singly and gather in loose semi-umbrellas (dichasia), the number of buds of which is small. The flowers of the bryozoan are bisexual, on elongated pedicels. Sepals have ovoid or oblong outlines with a blunt apex, 1.5–3 mm long. Sepals have splicing up to the base. The corolla has 4–5 petals that do not grow more than 5 mm in length. The top of the petals can have a recess or be solid. The petals grow as shorter than the calyx and do not form at all. The number of stamens per flower varies from 4-10 pieces.
After the flowers are pollinated, the fruit ripens, characterized by the shape of the capsule. Its shape is elongated ovoid. When the fruit is fully ripe, it opens to the very base through 4-5 valves. The capsule is filled with smooth seeds ranging in length from 0, 3–0, 6 mm.
The plant is not capricious and with its help you can form a colorful lawn on the garden plot.
Features of planting and caring for Irish moss in the open field
- Landing place Irish moss can be open and well lit, or partially shaded. There is information that full shade will not be a problem when growing bryozoans, however, such an arrangement will not contribute to the formation of denser clumps. Do not plant plants in places where there is close groundwater or moisture stagnation from melting snow or prolonged precipitation is possible.
- Soil for bryozoans should be nutritious and loose, capable of providing protection during dry periods. Loam is considered the best choice. However, at the same time, they help to retain moisture, which can lead to decay of the root system, which is why bald spots may appear on such a "green carpet". So that such problems do not accompany the cultivation of Irish moss, it is recommended to compose the substrate from such components as peat, turf soil and river sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. The optimum soil moisture values are 6–6, pH 5, that is, slightly acidic or neutral. If a 15–20 cm layer of substrate is poured onto the site, this will be a guarantee of optimal moisture outflow. Before planting, there are recommendations to introduce compost into the dug up substrate, about a bucket of the drug per 1 m2. If the soil is dense, then fine gravel or coarse sand is mixed into it for looseness. Despite all the previous recommendations, Irish moss is able to grow on very poor soil, drawing out of it that small amount of nutrients that will be useful to it for growth.
- Planting bryozoans. When planting seedlings or divisions of Irish moss, it is recommended to leave a distance of about 5–10 cm between the plants. It is recommended to plant the seedlings in well-prepared and loosened soil, which has been thoroughly weeded out of weeds and pre-moistened. If seedlings are planted, then after placing them in the soil, they are slightly trampled so that they go deep enough. When a large number of delenok are planted, then they are laid nearby to each other so that there are no gaps between them. In the presence of a small number of seedlings, the distance between them is made large. Sometimes a staggered landing is used. The gaps between the divisions are usually filled with young shoots after two weeks. If there may be stagnation of moisture on the site or there is a proximity of groundwater, then a sand cushion is formed during planting, which will serve to protect the root system.
- Watering. This aspect is the most important when growing bryozoans. Despite its drought tolerance, the plant will need a sufficient amount of moisture, and when growing at different periods it is recommended to provide different soil moisture. When seedlings or cuttings of Irish moss are just transplanted into a flower bed, they are watered every day so that the plants receive sufficient amounts of the necessary substances for adaptation and growth. In addition, it is recommended for early rooting to spray the seedlings of bryozoans with a solution of water and growth stimulants, such as, for example, Epin. When the plants become adults, watering is 2-3 times a week, while water is poured directly under the root, but it is important to monitor so that moisture does not stagnate there. Irish moss watering must be organized with great care, since the sods are characterized by high density, and moisture evaporates almost instantly, but with an excess of it, the lower stems and the root system are subject to decay.
- Fertilizers for bryozoans, it is necessary to apply regularly, since this immediately affects the growth activity. However, an overabundance of drugs can lead to the friability of the "green cushions" of Irish moss and at the same time their winter hardiness indicators will decrease (especially nitrogen affects this). Therefore, for the entire growing season, only a couple of dressings are carried out. With the arrival of spring, it is recommended to use complete complex mineral preparations, which include phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. You can use a remedy such as Fertika or Kemira-Universal. Usually, it is recommended to apply 30-50 grams of the product per 1 m2. In the autumn period, phosphorus-potassium preparations serve as fertilizer, of which it is recommended to apply 50-100 grams per 1 m2. From organic matter, wood ash can be used, which is scattered over the site in the same amount.
- Wintering. Plants easily tolerate low thermometer readings in winter. However, if the winter is snowless and is characterized by sharp temperature changes (thaws and frosts), sharp gusts of wind, then even adult specimens can freeze out. At the same time, it is recommended to provide the curtains with a cover, using non-woven material, for example, lutrosil or spunbond.
- General advice on care. Irish moss is capable of forming dense clumps with stems, but due to various reasons bald spots may appear on them, then transplanting a parcel to this place will help to correct the situation. Transplanting can be done at any time of the year, as long as the heat indicators have not dropped below zero. Since Sagina can grow a lot, it may be necessary to restrict it. To do this, the growth boundary of Irish moss is simply made with a layer of gravel, which will prevent the shoots from rooting.
- The use of bryozoans in landscape design. Such dense curtains will look great in a garden on the slopes, among stones in rockeries and rock gardens, next to garden paths. A thicket of Irish moss will help protect the site from weeds. Bryozoans are completely unstable to trampling, so you should not walk on the lawn from such a plant. These ornamental shrubs are good for gardening stone groups and statues. The bryozoan has the ability to almost completely cover limestone cobblestones with its shoots. The best neighbors for Irish moss are asters and daisies, as well as delicate hyacinths. As a ground cover crop, bryozoans look favorably next to coniferous shrubs. They are also advised for novice florists, since they will not need shaping and cutting.
See also requirements for planting and caring for resin outdoors.
Recommendations for breeding bryozoans
Both seed and vegetative propagation methods are recommended to get new Irish moss bushes.
Propagation of bryozoans using seeds
Seeds that are harvested in the fall can be immediately placed in the prepared soil in the garden. The best time would be to plant before winter or early spring. Seed material is gently spread over the surface of the moistened substrate.
Important
Do not cover the bryozoan seeds with soil, otherwise they will not germinate.
After the seeds are sown, a snow cover is poured over them, which will serve not only as protection, but also as a means for obtaining moisture. Also, when the snow cap melts, the water will "pull" the seeds deeper into the soil and then a microclimate necessary for germination will be created. Already by April, when the snowdrifts begin to descend, the first seedlings can be seen in the beds, the shoots of which will gradually cover the entire area provided to them.
Reproduction of bryozoans using seedlings
This method also involves the use of seed material and is the most time consuming process. It is usually used only in the early breeding stage. With the arrival of spring, it is necessary to take seedling boxes and fill them with a loose and nutritious substrate (for example, peat-sandy). The seeds are spread on moist soil and covered with transparent plastic wrap. The room in which the containers with crops will stand should be light and the temperature in it should be maintained within 18-22 degrees. It is not recommended to remove the shelter before the seedlings appear. After 7 days, the first sprouts of Irish moss can be seen. Then the shelter can be removed and when the seedlings grow a little and get stronger, they dive into separate small pots. At such a time, bryozoan seedlings form small bundles. Transplant takes place with the arrival of May.
When replanting, it is recommended to leave the distance between seedlings about 5–10 cm. Since over time the Irish moss will begin to self-sow, such a green carpet will be characterized by self-healing.
Bryozoan propagation by dividing the bush
This method is the fastest and most effortless. In springtime, or only when autumn begins, it is necessary to separate a part of the "green carpet" with a sharp shovel. Since the root system of plants is mainly located close to the surface, there will be no greater problem when extracting the divisions. Often, flower growers simply cut the turf into smaller parts and immediately plant on a prepared place on the lawn. By the onset of autumn, all the soil will be covered with young shoots with foliage.
Fight against diseases and pests when growing bryozoans
This representative of the flora pleases flower growers with excellent resistance to both diseases and harmful insects. However, if the rules of agricultural technology are violated, for example, flooding the soil with water, there is a problem with root rot. In this case, it is recommended to equalize the irrigation regime or to transplant plants with preliminary removal of the affected parts of the root system and treatment of the remaining part with fungicidal preparations. Such means can be Fundazol or Bordeaux liquid.
If there are anthills or cabbage plantings next to the Irish moss sods, then the plant may suffer from aphids. When the weather is humid and warm, such conditions are perfect for the rapid reproduction of the pest. To combat such small green bugs that suck nutritious juices from the leaves and stems of bryozoans, both folk and chemical methods can be used. The first are: spraying with cold water from a garden hose to repel insects using a sprinkler; treatment of Irish moss bushes with solutions based on grated laundry soap, garlic gruel or tinctures on wormwood or tansy. In the event that such funds do not bring the desired result, you will have to use insecticidal preparations, such as Confidor or Deces, and it is important not to violate the recommendation indicated by the manufacturer.
Irish moss bushes are afraid of trampling, so you should not walk on the lawns where such a representative of the flora is grown, and it is also recommended to limit the spread of shoots outside the area where it is cultivated. This is due to the fact that the stems can easily root at the nodes and aggressively seize nearby lands, displacing other flowers.
Read also how to protect lychnis from diseases and pests when grown outdoors
Facts to note about bryozoan
Often, growers prefer to plant Irish moss plants under fruit trees, since the soil under such sods will always remain moist and this will be a good help in the heat and will not require watering. It can also be noted that the bryozoan will protect the site from garden ants, since the sod is so dense that the insects are not able to penetrate the intertwined leafy shoots. This will subsequently lead to the fact that aphids on plants growing in the garden will not and will not have to use once again chemicals to treat the pest.
Another bonus is that when the bryozoan blooms, a pleasant delicate aroma spreads over its curtains, attracting not only bees, but also other insects, which at the same time can pollinate flowering fruit trees.
Irish moss can also be used successfully when growing bonsai-style trees or dwarf plants indoors to colorfully decorate the soil in their pots. Such containers from the plant should be placed on the windowsill. Even in the southern location of the windows, Sagina will feel comfortable in the rooms.
Types of bryozoans
Subulate bryozoan (Sagina subulata)
the most common variety, the specific name of which is given because of the foliage, reminiscent of such a carpentry tool as "awl" and in Latin bearing the term "subula". At the same time, the leaves have a pointed top. The native area of distribution falls on the Mediterranean lands, as well as areas of Central and Eastern Europe (also found in the Carpathians), and the Scandinavian territories. It prefers to grow on a damp, rocky and sandy substrate. An evergreen perennial with a herbaceous form of growth, with its shoots capable of forming cushion thickets in height not exceeding 10 cm. Very much like moss.
The stems are highly branched and creeping. Their surface is densely covered with bright green foliage, the length of which does not exceed 6 mm. The difference between this variety and others is that it does not have kidney-shaped shoots located in the leaf sinuses. In almost all leaves, the apex has an osteiform sharpening, which can vary in length in the range of 0.4–1 mm. All parts are covered with glandular miniature hairs.
During flowering, which begins in June and can only end with the arrival of autumn, five-petal flowers open on the tops of the shoots or flowering stems. The size of the flowers is very small, they are no more than 5 mm in diameter. Usually, the buds are formed on elongated and thin pedicels and are characterized by the presence of a double perianth. The color of the petals is white and their length is no more than a cup. The flowering is quite abundant. The fruit is a box with a lot of seeds. The length of the seed reaches 0.5 mm.
Garden form available "Aurea", the foliage of which is characterized by a bright and attractive light green-golden hue.
Bryozoan (Sagina procumbens)
also found under the name Mokrets … Herbaceous perennial, which is widespread. The species got its name thanks to the Latin word "procumbens", rooted in the term "procumbo", which has the translation "bend over" or "bend forward". Carl Linnaeus himself (a taxonomist) called the variety - Bryozoan with recumbent stems (Sagina ramis procumbentibus).
These plants are found practically throughout the entire European territory, occupying the Mediterranean, the European part of Russia and the West Siberian regions are also included there, they grow in India and Tibet, as well as on the lands of North American content. In other regions of the planet, it is an alien representative of the flora. They prefer wet areas, especially in the coastal zones of river arteries and reservoirs, can grow in ditches, on wastelands and pastures.
A herbaceous perennial plant that can vary in height from 2-10 cm. Stems grow slightly erect or spread out over the surface of the soil. Shoots are characterized by branchiness and the possibility of rooting at the nodes. The foliage is distinguished by narrow-linear outlines, with a pointed tip at the top, which resembles a thorn. At the base, the sheet plate has splicing. The size of the sheet can vary in length in the range of 2–10 mm with a width of approximately 0.25–0.5 mm. There are no stipules.
From a large number of leaves, rosettes with good development are collected, which distinguishes the species from other varieties of bryozoan, since their rosettes are with very little development. Shoots (generative and vegetative), on which flowers and fruits grow, originate in the leaf axils. The surface of both stems and foliage is bare.
When flowering, beginning with the arrival of summer and stretching until September, flowers are formed, which are no more than 2-3 mm in length. They are bisexual, crowning with elongated pedicels, which are located at the tops of the stems. The pedicels are 10–20 mm long. Sepals in the calyx, ovoid, with a blunt apex. The color of the petals in the corolla is white, there are 4 of them (sometimes five) and they are 1, 5–3 times smaller in size than the sepals. Two pairs of stamens are formed.
The ripening fruit is represented by a polyspermous capsule 2-3 mm long. When fully ripe, it opens with 4–5 valves. Begins to bear fruit from mid-summer to September.
Bryozoan (Sagina saginoides)
through the stems, forms dense carpets that resemble green pillows. Shoots spread along the surface of the soil, cuddling quite tightly against it, completely hiding it under them. The surface of the stems is densely covered with leaves of a pale green color. All parts of the plant are covered with glandular hairs. The outlines of the leaf plates are acicular, the structure is rigid. The growth rate is rather slow.
When growing plants with seeds, the bushes are characterized by a tap-like root system. If reproduction occurs vegetatively, then such specimens have a root system concentrated in the surface layer of the soil. Flowering, which begins with the arrival of summer, does not differ in a large number of open whitish flowers. Their corolla consists of 5 petals. During flowering, a delicate pleasant aroma spreads.
Related article: Growing gypsophila in the garden
Video about growing bryozoans in the garden:
