Leptinella squalida Platts Black

Leptinella squalida Platt’s Black is a small creeping perennial that quickly forms a fascinating dark bronze-violet carpet. It is an excellent groundcover for partial shade, which is resistant and low maintenance. It is ideal for rock gardens, troughs, or in the gaps between large paving stones forming pathways.

Originating from Australia and South America, Leptinella are alpine plants in the Asteraceae family. They are creeping, reaching a height of about 5 cm (2in) and grow relatively fast. They are fairly hardy, down to about -7°C, tolerant to drought and trampling, as long as it is not intensive. Like Roman Chamomile Treneague, Leptinella squalida Platt’s Black can be used as a substitute for lawns on small surfaces.

This variety produces highly dissected leaves that resemble fern foliage. Its deep copper-bronze hue tinged with violet is particularly interesting as it exudes, like all plants with dark colours, a certain mystery.

Leptinella thrives in non-scorching sunlight or partial shade, in any moist, light, and well-draining soil.

In the garden, it can be paired with other dark or metallic plants such as Ajuga reptans Atropurpurea, Black Sprite Cornflower, Black Chocolate Hellebore, or Japanese Painted Fern for a fascinating effect.