Leptinella squalida “Platt’s Black”

Platt’s Black Brass Buttons
Leptinella squalida “Platt’s Black”
Type: Evergreen Perennial Groundcover
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

I guess “Brass Buttons” refers to the tiny, yellow flowers that appear above the foliage in spring and summer, but the real selling point of this plant is its foliage. Ferny green foliage is tinged with grey, black and purple, and forms a small mound 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) high by a foot (30 cm) wide. Despite its delicate appearance, this tough plant will take foot traffic, making it a natural choice for planting between flagstones or in the cracks of rocks in an alpine setting.  It’s a great companion plant for Irish or Scotch moss (Sagina subulata; stay tuned!), and works well in containers.

John