Japanese name: サギナ スブラタ Scientific name:Sagina subulata
[Overview]
A perennial that grows in dry, sandy or gravelly soils in its native range, reaching a height of about 12–13 cm.
It grows densely, covering the ground.
The leaves are simple and opposite, needle-like to linear-lanceolate, about 1 cm long.
The flowers are borne mostly singly in the leaf axils; they are white, 5-petaled, and about 5 mm across.
There are 10 stamens.
The flower stalk is 2–4 cm long.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division.
It tolerates winter temperatures down to about −5°C.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, well-ventilated place, but strong direct sun in summer can scorch the leaves, so provide shade or, for potted plants, move them to an airy place in partial shade.
It dislikes heat and humidity.
Take care not to overwater; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries from spring to autumn and keep on the dry side in winter; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilize sparingly, applying diluted liquid fertilizer once a month from spring to autumn.
Pests and diseases include spider mites, aphids and slugs.
