Overview
Leptinella minor is a mat-forming alpine rockery in the genus Leptinella, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leptinella minor grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, banks and slopes and ground cover.
About
Leptinella minor is a mat-forming cultivar of the genus Leptinella, which includes both annual and perennial species known for creating dense carpets of finely dissected, often aromatic leaves resembling ferns. This evergreen plant thrives in fertile, moist soil with full sun exposure and is hardy to UK zone H5. It produces button-shaped flower heads on short stems from late spring through summer, making it suitable for use as ground cover in cottage and informal gardens, on banks and slopes. It adapts well to a range of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained conditions.
About the genus
Leptinella is a genus of alpine flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, comprising 33 species, distributed in New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America. Many of the species are endemic to New Zealand.
Wikipedia contributors, "Leptinella", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leptinella
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Leptinella
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Leptinella minor size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Mat-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Banks and slopes, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Leptinella minor
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Seed as soon as ripe
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Leptinella minor?
Leptinella minor prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Leptinella minor need?
Leptinella minor is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Leptinella minor hardy in the UK?
Leptinella minor has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Leptinella minor?
Division in spring, Seed as soon as ripe.