Great Plant Pick: Platt’s Black brass buttons

Published 1:30 am Friday, October 7, 2022

What: Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’, commonly called Platt’s Black brass buttons, is an evergreen groundcover that’s a real Northwest workhorse. Tolerant of light foot traffic, this feathery fern-like perennial is green with gray, purple and black tints. In spring and summer, tiny yellow button-like flowers appear a few inches above the foliage. Tolerant of shade, ‘Platt’s Black’ isn’t particular about soil and is drought-resistant once established.

Where: ‘Platt’s Black’ is great planted between stepping stones to add interest and suppress weeds. It can be used as a low-traffic lawn and is a great low-maintenance groundcover. To establish it, plant 1- to 4-inch plugs on 8-inch centers, and full coverage will be achieved in three to four months. Don’t crowd with taller plants.

Size: Grows to 3 inches high.

Care: Water occasionally during dry weather

— greatplantpicks.org