Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers acidic, organically rich loams. Intolerant of drought. Tolerates light shade, particularly in hot summer climates. Plants spread indefinitely by rhizomes/runners. In large plantings, spent flowers may be removed by a lawn mower if desired. Container plants may be spaced 9-12” apart when planted as a ground cover. Propagate by division in spring or fall. Foliage is evergreen in USDA Zones 9-10.
Native to New Zealand, brass buttons is a rhizomatous, mat-forming ground cover that grows to only 2” tall but spreads indefinitely by runners. It features button-like yellow flowers and fern-like green leaves. ‘Platt’s Black’ is a cultivar in which the unusual near black foliage is the real attraction. Delicate, fern-like leaves (to 2” long and to 1/2” wide) are obovate. Foliage will tolerate some foot traffic. Dark gold flowers bloom in early summer, and are followed by tiny fruit. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are considered to be particularly ornamental. Species plants were formerly known as Cotula squalida with the common name of creeping cotula.
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to verticillium wilt, leaf spots and stem rots. Aphids, mites and leaf miners are occasional visitors.
Small area ground cover for sunny spots in the landscape. Rock gardens. Species plants (green foliage) are sometimes grown between stepping stones or used as a turf substitute, particularly in areas where plants are evergreen. The dark foliage plants are perhaps better grown ornamentally in gardens.
Thank You!
The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers.
Info for
Main Navigation
Quick Links
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission