Overview
Scleranthus biflorus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Scleranthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Up to 10 cm tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Scleranthus biflorus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and rock garden. It is native to Australia and New Zealand.
About
Scleranthus biflorus is a resilient, evergreen perennial that forms a dense tuft of small, spiky, moss-like dark green foliage. During the summer, it bears subtle bronze flowers that blend into the plant's overall appearance. This species is well-suited for Japanese gardens, serving as effective ground cover or for filling spaces between paving stones and within rock crevices.
About the genus
This genus consists of compact, evergreen perennials that create a dense mound of moss-like, narrow leaves. The plants produce yellow-green flowers that lack petals.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scleranthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Scleranthus biflorus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
- Native to
- Australia, New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scleranthus biflorus
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil in full sun. Will not tolerate waterlogging or very hot, humid weather. Once established, will cope with light foot traffic well
- Pruning
- No pruning required but can be cut back annually to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Propagate by division when the centre of the plant begins to die back with age
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scleranthus biflorus?
Grow in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil in full sun. Will not tolerate waterlogging or very hot, humid weather. Once established, will cope with light foot traffic well.
Where is the best place to plant Scleranthus biflorus?
Scleranthus biflorus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Scleranthus biflorus need?
Scleranthus biflorus grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Scleranthus biflorus?
No pruning required but can be cut back annually to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Scleranthus biflorus grow?
Scleranthus biflorus reaches a height of Up to 10 cm and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Scleranthus biflorus hardy in the UK?
Scleranthus biflorus has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Scleranthus biflorus?
Propagate by division when the centre of the plant begins to die back with age.