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Selaginella
Lush, Hardy Shade Groundcover
Bring unique texture and ancient beauty to your shaded garden spaces with Selaginella, commonly known as Spike Moss or Club Moss. These fascinating plants offer a range of benefits for gardeners of all levels:
- Unique Texture & Form: Selaginella boasts delicate, often fern-like or mossy foliage, creating a soft, textured carpet unlike most other shade plants. Its intricate patterns add visual interest up close.
- Shade Loving: Thriving in low-light conditions where many other plants struggle, Selaginella is perfect for planting under trees, on the north side of structures, or in woodland garden settings.
- Excellent Groundcover: Many hardy varieties spread readily, forming dense mats that help suppress weeds and create a living mulch, filling bare spots with lush greenery.
- Low-Growing Habit: Its creeping or mounding nature makes it ideal for edging pathways, softening borders, spilling over container edges, or filling gaps between larger perennials.
- Hardiness & Adaptability (Species Dependent): While the genus is vast, specific hardy varieties are available that can withstand winters in a wide range of climates (check specific species for exact zone ratings within the 3-9 range).
- Evergreen Potential: In milder zones or sheltered locations, many hardy Selaginella species remain evergreen or semi-evergreen, providing year-round interest.
- Low Maintenance: Once established in the right conditions (consistent moisture and shade), Selaginella requires minimal care.
- Ancient Lineage: Growing Selaginella connects you to an ancient group of plants (lycophytes) that predates dinosaurs, adding a unique botanical element to your garden.
Important Note on Hardiness: The Selaginella genus contains thousands of species, ranging from tropical houseplants to hardy outdoor perennials. Hardiness varies significantly by species. While this guide covers general care for varieties suited to Zones 3-9, always verify the specific hardiness zone rating for the particular Selaginella species you are purchasing. For example, Selaginella braunii (Arborvitae Fern) is often hardy in zones 5/6-9. Achieving success in Zone 3 may require selecting exceptionally cold-hardy species and providing winter protection.
- Light:
- Prefers partial to full shade.
- Dappled sunlight, such as under deciduous trees, is ideal.
- Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate foliage. Morning sun is generally tolerated.
- Soil:
- Requires consistently moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil. Think of a forest floor environment.
- Amend planting areas with compost, shredded leaves, or peat moss to improve organic content and moisture retention.
- Good drainage is crucial, especially in winter, to prevent root rot. Avoid heavy clay or constant waterlogged soil.
- Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. This is the most critical factor for success.
- Water regularly, especially during establishment and periods of drought. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses in drier climates or larger plantings.
- Planting:
- Plant in spring or early fall.
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and plant at the same depth it was in its container.
- Backfill with amended soil, gently firming around the roots.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Spacing:
- Space plants according to their mature spread (check species information). For groundcover types, spacing 12-18 inches apart allows them to fill in effectively over time.
- Fertilizing:
- Selaginella are generally light feeders.
- Incorporating compost into the soil at planting time is often sufficient.
- If desired, apply a light top dressing of compost or leaf mold in the spring.
- If using synthetic fertilizer, choose a balanced, water-soluble type diluted to half-strength and apply sparingly once or twice during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing.
- Maintenance & Pruning:
- Very low maintenance.
- Remove any dead, brown, or damaged fronds as needed to keep the planting looking tidy.
- Trim the edges if the plants spread beyond their intended area.
- Pests & Diseases:
- Generally resistant to pests and diseases when grown in appropriate conditions.
- Slugs and snails may occasionally be attracted to the moist environment.
- Poor drainage or overwatering can lead to fungal issues like root rot.
- Winter Care (Especially Zones 3-5/6):
- In colder zones, apply a protective layer of loose winter mulch (such as shredded leaves, pine needles, or straw) after the ground begins to freeze. This helps insulate the roots from extreme cold and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Remove heavy mulch gradually in spring as new growth appears.
- Ensure good drainage throughout winter to prevent crowns from sitting in cold, wet soil.
- Evergreen types may experience some winter browning in colder climates but often recover from the roots in spring.
By providing the right shady, moist conditions, you can enjoy the unique beauty and texture of hardy Selaginella in your garden for years to come.
Selaginella (sel-uh-jin-nell-uh), spikemoss, Selaginella Family. Pretty, moss-like, flowerless annuals and perennials widely distributed in tropical or subtropical regions. Delicate fern-like foliage made up of numerous, tiny, opposite leaves crowded on short stems. Selaginella is easily grown in shady, moist situations in frost-free areas.
Selaginella kraussiana (kraw-see-ay-nuh),spreading clubmoss, from Africa, this is a charming, moss-like perennial with creeping stems that root as they grow.