Leptinella Platt's Black

Brass Buttons

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Tiny fern-like smoky bronze-purple foliage with hints of green.

Tiny fern-like foliage is smoky bronze purple with hints of green. An attractive ever-spreading soft mat will tolerate light foot traffic. Perfect for around stepping stones and as a groundcover. Quickly spreads by runners. Dark green flowers in early summer are the ‘buttons’.

This variety was formerly known as Cotula squalida, a.k.a. Creeping Cotula. Leptinella may tolerate more shade than shown.

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.


Tiny fern-like smoky bronze-purple foliage with hints of green.

Tiny fern-like foliage is smoky bronze purple with hints of green. An attractive ever-spreading soft mat will tolerate light foot traffic. Perfect for around stepping stones and as a groundcover. Quickly spreads by runners. Dark green flowers in early summer are the ‘buttons’.

This variety was formerly known as Cotula squalida, a.k.a. Creeping Cotula. Leptinella may tolerate more shade than shown.

Code LEPB

Patent

Plant Type Perennials, Groundcovers

Species squalida

Height Short 3"

Spacing Plant 12" apart

Bloom Time Early Summer to Mid-Summer

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Zones 5-9

Soil Type Normal, Acidic

Water Needs Medium

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Planting Sites

  • For a Slope or Bank
  • Edgers
  • Groundcovers
  • Foot Traffic Tolerant
  • Wet Site Tolerant

Leptinella General Information

Leptinella with its finely-cut lacy foliage resembles the tiniest ferns, but is actually a relative of the sunflower and the insignificant green button-shaped blooms look like the centers of sunflowers. Will die back in winter, but springs back to life in April to form a dense, lush groundcover. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Leptinella Plant Care

Leptinella prefers a rich acidic soil. Shallow rooted, so occasional feeding is recommended. Plants will spread indefinitely by underground runners. Requires some moisture in well-drained soils – intolerant of drought.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October