About

This spreading or trailing, stem-rooting, semi-evergreen perennial forming a mat of finely dissected moss like, metallic blue-green leaves.

About the genus

Selaginella are evergreen rhizomatous perennials which may be small and tufted or tall and scrambling, the slender stems covered with small scale-like leaves; spores develop in short terminal spikes

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with added leaf mould. Water freely and feed monthly from April to September. Outside grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soil in partial shade and provide winter protection. In cold areas, grow in containers and overwinter indoors
PruningNo pruning required. Can prune out dead and faded growth as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division or spores
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs or snails.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free