Overview

Sphagneticola trilobata is a plant with a creeping, spreading habit in the genus Sphagneticola, part of the Asteraceae family, with green, ovate to triangular, lobed foliage. Sphagneticola trilobata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include ground cover, borders, hanging baskets and containers. It is native to Paraná, Mexico, Southern South America, São Paulo, Ceará, Bahia, Santa Catarina and Acre.

About

Sphagneticola trilobata is a creeping, spreading member of the Asteraceae, commonly used as a ground cover. Its foliage is green, ovate to triangular and typically lobed, forming a low, spreading layer. It grows in full sun to partial shade and accepts loam or sandy soils across acid to alkaline pH, as long as conditions are not waterlogged. Plant it for ground cover, borders, hanging baskets or containers in sheltered spots.

About the genus

Sphagneticola is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Creeping-oxeye is a common name for plants in this genus.SpeciesSphagneticola brachycarpa (Baker) Pruski - Guyana, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia Sphagneticola calendulacea (L.) Pruski - China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Indonesia, Philippines Sphagneticola gracilis (Rich.) Pruski - Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Antigua Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski - native to South America, widely naturalized in many subtropical and tropical regions Sphagneticola ulei O.Hoffm. - native to the American tropics

Wikipedia contributors, "Sphagneticola", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sphagneticola

In the garden

Sphagneticola trilobata is a creeping, spreading species in the Asteraceae with a native range that includes Paraná, Mexico and several regions of southern South America such as São Paulo, Ceará, Bahia, Santa Catarina and Acre. Its growth habit makes it popular where a fast-covering surface or trailing habit is required. It prefers full sun to partial shade and will tolerate loam or sandy substrates; soil pH can be acid, neutral or alkaline. Moisture should be kept in the well-drained to moist range rather than waterlogged. Aspect matters in the UK: choose south-, east- or west-facing sites where the plant will be sheltered from prevailing winds and cold exposure. The UK hardiness rating H1b translates as tender, so treat it as frost-sensitive and avoid planting where winter freezes are likely to reach the root zone. Use Sphagneticola trilobata as a low ground cover between shrubs, along borders where a spreading mat is wanted, or in containers and hanging baskets where stems can trail. Allow room for lateral spread when planting; the creeping habit will quickly fill gaps and spill over edges, making it particularly effective for softening paving joints and container rims.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sphagneticola

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1b

Plant details

Sphagneticola trilobata size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Creeping, Spreading

Foliage

Green, Ovate to triangular, Lobed

Suggested uses

Ground cover, Borders, Hanging baskets, Containers

Native to

Paraná, Mexico, Southern South America, São Paulo, Ceará, Bahia, Santa Catarina, Acre

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sphagneticola trilobata

Propagation

Division

Pest resistance

Resistant

Disease resistance

Resistant

Frequently asked questions