Product Description
Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black'
Common Name: 'Platt's Black' Brass Buttons, brass button, Black Brass Buttons; formerly known as Cotula squalida and by the common name creeping cotula
Zones 5 to 10, perhaps 4, Evergreen in USDA Zones 9-10.
Full sun to part shade.
Height 1 to 2 inches
Width 10 to 12 inches
Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black', also known as Platt's Black Brass Buttons, is a unique and striking groundcover with dark, fern-like foliage. This low-growing perennial forms a dense mat, adding texture and color to pathways, between stepping stones, or as a lawn substitute.
- Foliage: Deep bronze to nearly black, finely textured, fern-like leaves that create a dense, carpet-like effect. The foliage color intensifies in full sun.
- Flowers: Small, yellow button-like flowers appear in early summer, but the foliage is the main attraction.
- Growth Habit: Spreads rapidly by runners, forming a dense mat that can tolerate light foot traffic.
- Height: 1-2 inches
- Spread: 10-12 inches
- Hardiness Zones: 4-10
- Light: Full sun to part shade (foliage color is richest in full sun)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
- Water: Moderate water needs. Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from regular watering during hot, dry periods.
- Uses: Ideal for pathways, between stepping stones, as a lawn substitute, in rock gardens, or as a filler between pavers.
Benefits:
- Unique Foliage Color: The dark, almost black foliage adds a dramatic touch to the landscape and contrasts beautifully with other plants.
- Dense Groundcover: Forms a thick mat that effectively suppresses weeds.
- Tolerates Foot Traffic: Can withstand light to moderate foot traffic, making it suitable for pathways or between stepping stones.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
- Versatile: Can be used in a variety of settings, from formal gardens to naturalistic landscapes.
Growing Tips:
- Planting: Space plants 12 inches apart for quick coverage.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it can tolerate some drought. 1
- Fertilizing: Not generally required, but a light application of fertilizer in spring can promote growth.
- Mowing: Not necessary but Can be trimmed back if desired to maintain a tidy appearance.
If you are looking for a unique and low-maintenance groundcover with dramatic foliage color, Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black' is an excellent choice. Its dense growth habit and ability to tolerate foot traffic make it a versatile and valuable addition to any landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
