Mossplant: The Tiny Arctic Shrub That’s Not Actually Moss
Meet mossplant (Harrimanella hypnoides), one of nature’s most delightfully deceiving little characters. Despite its common name and moss-like appearance, this diminutive beauty is actually a flowering shrub that calls some of the world’s coldest places home. If you’re dreaming of adding this arctic gem to your garden, let’s explore whether this tiny titan is right for you.
What Exactly Is Mossplant?
Mossplant is a perennial shrub that’s about as far from your typical backyard shrub as you can imagine. This ground-hugging wonder rarely grows taller than a few inches, creating dense, carpet-like mats that look remarkably similar to moss. Its scientific name, Harrimanella hypnoides, hints at this resemblance – hypnoides literally means moss-like.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its synonym, Cassiope hypnoides, in older botanical references. But no matter what you call it, this little shrub has some serious cold-weather credentials.
Where Does Mossplant Call Home?
This hardy little survivor is native to some seriously chilly places. In North America, you’ll find mossplant naturally occurring across Canada’s Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Labrador, and Newfoundland. It also makes appearances in the northeastern United States, including Maine, New Hampshire, and New York. Beyond North America, it’s also native to Greenland, making it a true arctic specialist.
The Appeal (And Challenge) of Growing Mossplant
Let’s be honest – mossplant isn’t going to work for most gardeners. This arctic native is adapted to some of the harshest conditions on Earth, and it’s not interested in compromising. Here’s what makes it both fascinating and frustrating:
The Good News
- Incredibly hardy (USDA zones 1-4)
- Unique, moss-like texture adds interesting ground cover
- Small white to pink bell-shaped flowers provide delicate beauty
- Evergreen foliage offers year-round interest
- Provides nectar for specialized arctic pollinators
- Virtually maintenance-free once established in suitable conditions
The Challenging Reality
- Requires extremely cold winter temperatures to thrive
- Needs specialized growing conditions that are difficult to replicate
- Very slow growth rate
- Limited availability in the nursery trade
- May struggle in climates warmer than zone 4
Growing Conditions: Not for the Faint of Heart
If you’re determined to try growing mossplant, you’ll need to recreate a bit of the Arctic in your backyard. This plant demands:
- Cold temperatures: Think zones 1-4 only – this plant actually needs severe winter cold
- Acidic soil: pH between 4.5-6.0
- Excellent drainage: Despite loving cold, it hates wet feet
- Full sun to partial shade: Prefers bright conditions but can tolerate some shade
- Rocky or sandy soil: Mimics its natural alpine habitat
Planting and Care Tips
Successfully growing mossplant is more art than science, and honestly, it’s not for beginners. If you’re in the right climate zone and feeling adventurous:
- Source plants from specialized alpine or arctic plant nurseries
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Create a rock garden or alpine garden setting
- Ensure perfect drainage with sandy or gravelly soil amendments
- Avoid fertilizing – this plant is adapted to nutrient-poor conditions
- Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, but never let it sit in water
- Be patient – growth is extremely slow
Garden Design Role
In the rare gardens where mossplant can thrive, it serves as a unique groundcover for:
- Rock gardens with an alpine theme
- Specialized cold-climate landscapes
- Collectors’ gardens focused on unusual or rare plants
- Educational gardens showcasing arctic flora
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While mossplant’s tiny flowers might not attract your typical garden pollinators, they do provide nectar for specialized arctic insects and small pollinators adapted to harsh conditions. In its native range, it plays a role in supporting unique cold-adapted wildlife communities.
The Bottom Line
Mossplant is undeniably fascinating – a flowering shrub that masquerades as moss and thrives where most plants would perish. But unless you live in the far north and have a passion for challenging, specialized plants, this arctic beauty is probably best admired in its natural habitat or in botanical collections.
For most gardeners seeking interesting groundcovers, consider cold-hardy native alternatives like wintergreen, bearberry, or various native sedums that offer similar textural interest without the extreme growing requirements.
If you do decide to take on the challenge of growing mossplant, remember that success lies in recreating its harsh, cold, well-drained native conditions as closely as possible. It’s not an easy plant to grow, but for the right gardener in the right climate, it offers a truly unique addition to the landscape.
