Brass buttons (Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black')
Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black', or Brass buttons, offers unique near-black foliage, perfect as a low-maintenance ground cover in zones 4-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’, widely known as Brass buttons, is prized primarily for its highly unusual, near-black foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the fine, delicate texture of its leaves. This rhizomatous, mat-forming perennial provides excellent low-level coverage, rarely exceeding two inches in height while spreading readily via runners. While it produces button-like yellow flowers in early summer, the main ornamental feature of Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ is definitely its dark, evergreen carpet in warmer regions.
This plant is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a distinctive, low-maintenance ground cover for sunny to partially shaded areas. Its spreading habit makes it highly effective for filling in gaps or softening transitions in garden beds. Grown in average, well-drained soil, Brass buttons requires only moderate moisture to thrive and is intolerant of drought conditions.
The foliage of Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ earns high marks for its unique color and texture. While the flowers are fleeting, the dark leaves provide consistent visual interest throughout the growing season, often remaining evergreen in USDA Zones 9 and 10. Furthermore, this tough perennial can withstand light foot traffic, making it surprisingly versatile in the landscape.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0-0.25 ft
- Spread: 0.25-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ during the spring or fall when conditions are cooler, ensuring it receives full sun to light shade. This plant performs best in average, medium moisture soils that drain well. For optimal color and vigor, aim for organically rich loams; the plant prefers slightly acidic conditions.
Consistent moisture is crucial, as Brass buttons is highly intolerant of drought. Water regularly, especially during establishment or dry spells, aiming for medium moisture levels. Fertilization is generally unnecessary given its low maintenance requirement, allowing it to spread without excessive feeding requirements.
Maintenance is minimal. In large established patches, spent summer flowers can be tidied up simply by running a lawn mower over the area if desired. If growing Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ in containers, ensure spacing of about 9-12 inches when establishing it as a ground cover layer. Propagate established clumps easily by division during spring or fall.
Landscape Uses
Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ excels as a dynamic ground cover, particularly effective in sunny locations where its dark foliage can be truly appreciated. Its very low profile makes it perfectly suited for edging borders or creating low-profile mats beneath taller specimen plants. The species form is sometimes utilized as a turf substitute between stepping stones or in small, frequently trodden naturalized areas.
For ornamental plantings, consider using the striking near-black foliage of Brass buttons to offset plantings with lighter green or variegated leaves. It works beautifully in rock gardens, where its spreading habit can cascade slightly over rocks, providing year-round contrast, especially where the foliage remains evergreen.
When planting Brass buttons in mass, remember that it spreads indefinitely via creeping rhizomes. This aggressive, yet tidy, spreading nature makes it an excellent choice for suppressing weeds in larger areas requiring minimal mowing or human intervention.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Leptinella squalida, commonly called brass buttons, is native to New Zealand. It is a rhizomatous, mat-forming perennial that grows to only 2” tall but spreads indefinitely by runners. Delicate, soft-textured, fern-like, oval green leaves (each to 2” long and 1/2” wide) are evergreen in USDA Zones 9-10. The cultivar ‘Platt’s Black’ is notable because the unusual near black foliage is the real attraction.
Tolerances
- Tolerates light shade, particularly in hot summer climates.
Potential Problems
This plant generally suffers from no serious insect or disease problems, contributing to its low maintenance rating. However, gardeners should be aware of occasional susceptibility to wetter-soil related issues, including verticillium wilt, leaf spots, and stem rots. Occasional insect pests might include aphids, mites, and leaf miners, which typically do not cause significant damage. Good drainage is the best prevention against most fungal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Brass buttons suitable for?
Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ is hardy across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 10.
How large does Brass buttons grow?
This perennial grows very low to the ground, typically reaching a height between 0 and 0.25 feet, and spreads outward to cover an area between 0.25 and 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ need?
It thrives best in full sun but tolerates part shade, especially beneficial in hotter summer climates to reduce stress.
When does Brass buttons bloom?
The yellow, button-like flowers typically appear throughout the mid-summer months, from June to July.
Conclusion
The unique, near-black foliage and excellent ground-covering capabilities make Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ an invaluable asset for texture and color contrast in the modern garden. This low-maintenance perennial, Brass buttons, rewards minimal effort with dense, attractive coverage. Before planting, verify that your site offers medium moisture and well-drained soil consistent with USDA Zone requirements.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’, focus on plants that share its preference for medium moisture and partial shade, while offering contrasting textures or brighter colors. Plants with light green, silvery, or variegated leaves work especially well next to the dark foliage of Brass buttons. Consider pairing it near low-growing sedums or creeping thyme, provided those companions do not demand drier conditions.
Due to its need for consistent moisture, avoid placing Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ directly alongside plants that thrive in arid, dry garden conditions. Excellent partners include Hostas (especially pale leaf varieties) or various low-growing Hakonechloa grasses, which offer movement and differing shades of green to complement the dark leaves of the cultivar.
Propagation Tips
Propagating Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ is straightforward due to its vigorous, rhizomatous nature. The most effective method is division, which should be carried out in the spring before active growth begins, or in the fall after the summer heat subsides. Simply lift established clumps of Brass buttons and separate them into smaller sections, ensuring each new division has viable roots and some accompanying foliage.
Because the plant spreads indefinitely by runners, you can also encourage new colonies simply by digging out sections of the spreading mat and transplanting them exactly where you desire new coverage. This material roots quickly, establishing the desired low-growing ground cover area efficiently, especially in the moist, well-drained soil this species prefers.
