Brass Buttons Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black'
ABOUT
Platt's Black is a captivating ground cover known for its unique and ornate foliage. The leaves of this plant are finely divided and appear almost feather-like, contributing to its delicate texture. What truly sets Platt's Black apart is the striking coloration of these leaves, which are a deep purple to black tone, adding a touch of drama and contrast to garden spaces. In addition to its colorful leaves, during the flowering season, Platt's Black produces small, indistinct yellow flowers that complement the dark foliage. These blooms may go somewhat unnoticed against the boldness of the leaves. This plant typically forms a dense mat-like spread, creating an enchanting carpet effect that's highly prized in landscapes for filling spaces between stepping stones or as an alternative to traditional grass lawns. Overall, Platt's Black stands out with its dark foliage, which provides a unique visual interest and a dramatic backdrop that makes surrounding greenery and brightly colored flowers pop. It is often celebrated for its aesthetic contribution to gardens and its ability to create a visually appealing tapestry of color and texture.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Platt's Black Brass Buttons, New Zealand Brass Buttons, Black Brass Buttons
Common names
Cotula squalida, Leptinella squalida
ToxicityTo humans
There is limited specific information on the toxicity of Brass buttons to humans. Generally, if a plant is not specifically known to be edible, it is prudent to avoid ingesting it. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is important to seek medical attention.
To pets
Brass buttons is not widely known for being toxic to pets. However, as with any plant, individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions. If you notice signs of illness in your pet after it has ingested part of the plant, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 inches (5 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ground Cover: Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black', commonly known as Brass Buttons, is excellent for covering ground quickly, thus suppressing weeds and reducing maintenance efforts.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Brass Buttons can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Unique Foliage: The plant's dark, fern-like foliage provides an unusual texture and color contrast in the garden, particularly striking against lighter plants.
- Foot Traffic Resistant: It can withstand light foot traffic, making it a good choice for planting between stepping stones or in a lawn alternative mix.
- Fast Growing: Brass Buttons grow quickly, filling in areas and creating a mat-like appearance in a short amount of time.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
- Attracts Wildlife: The small flowers can attract beneficial insects to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: The dense mat of roots helps stabilize soil on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Adaptable: Brass Buttons can adapt to a range of soil types, although they prefer moist, well-drained conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides year-round interest due to its evergreen nature in many climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground Cover: Platt's Black is often used as a living mulch to suppress weeds, reducing the need for traditional mulch materials.
- Visual Texture in Gardens: Its unique dark foliage provides a strong visual contrast to greener plants, enhancing the overall aesthetic of a garden.
- Filler Between Pavers: The plant can be used to grow between stepping stones or pavers, providing a lush, velvety look that can tolerate foot traffic.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its miniature size and whimsical appearance, it is ideal for creating fairy gardens and miniature landscapes.
- Craft Projects: Fresh or dried leaves of Platt's Black can be used in various craft projects, like making botanical prints or adding them to potpourris.
- Garden Borders: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for use as a low, natural border for flower beds and pathways.
- Themed Landscaping: It’s perfect for Gothic or "black" themed gardens that primarily utilize plants with dark foliage or flowers.
- Photography Backdrops: The dark foliage can provide an excellent dark background in macro and plant photography, highlighting lighter-colored subjects.
- Seasonal Decor: The dark leaves can be used as part of Halloween or fall-themed garden decorations.
- Erosion Control: Its mat-forming characteristic helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks, reducing erosion caused by wind and water.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Brass buttons plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Brass buttons plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Contrast: With its dark, almost black foliage, Brass Buttons symbolize contrast in the garden, representing the idea that beauty can be found in diversity and difference.
- Grounding: As a ground cover, Brass Buttons can symbolize stability and being grounded. It reflects the notion of laying strong foundations and spreading steadily.
- Perseverance: Brass Buttons are hardy and can thrive in tough conditions. This resilience is emblematic of determination and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Intricacy: The detailed, fern-like leaves of the plant can symbolize intricacy and complexity, suggesting that small details are important and that they contribute to the overall picture.
- Adaptation: Due to its versatile nature and ability to adapt, Brass Buttons can symbolize flexibility and the ability to prosper in various environments.
WaterThe Brass Buttons plant requires even moisture and does not tolerate dry soil. Water this ground cover plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is damp but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water it once or twice a week, with about 1-2 gallons each time depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. In hot and dry weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant's growth slows down.
LightFor the Brass Buttons plant, dappled sunlight to partial shade is the best light condition. Avoid full, intense sun as it may scorch the dark foliage. This plant thrives under the canopy of taller plants or in a spot that receives filtered light throughout the day.
TemperatureBrass Buttons plants prefer moderate temperatures and can generally handle temperatures ranging from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief dips just below 40 degrees but sustained cold may damage the plant. The ideal temperature would be a consistent, cool to mild range within the aforementioned spectrum.
PruningBrass Buttons plants benefit from occasional trimming to maintain their compact, ground-hugging form and encourage dense growth. Prune lightly in the spring or after flowering. Regular removal of faded flowers and damaged leaves will improve the plant's appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBrass Buttons prefer a well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix containing garden soil, sand, peat, and some compost is ideal to maintain an even moisture level while avoiding waterlogging.
RepottingBrass Buttons rarely need repotting and prefer to be left undisturbed. Check the roots every two to three years, but repot only if the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has degraded.
Humidity & MistingBrass Buttons are adaptable but prefer moderate humidity. They perform well in average room humidity levels without the need for special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Brass Buttons in bright, indirect light, ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enriched, well-draining soil, keep evenly moist.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycle'Platt's Black' brass buttons begin their journey as seeds, germinating in moist, well-drained soil in a partial to full shade location. Seedlings develop into rosettes with finely divided, fern-like foliage that is a dark purple-black color, characteristic of the cultivar. These plants spread by stolons, horizontally running stems that root at the nodes when in contact with soil, creating a dense mat-like ground cover. During the late spring to early summer months, small, insignificant yellow flowers bloom, often unnoticed among the striking foliage. Once pollinated, these flowers produce seeds, which then can spread to create new plants. Throughout the growing season, the mat-forming foliage provides continual coverage and interest until the first frost, where the plant will die back, remaining dormant through winter, to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The best time for propagating Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black', commonly known as Platt's Black Brass Buttons, is in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The most popular method of propagation is by division. This involves carefully lifting the parent plant from the ground using a spade or garden fork, ensuring minimal disturbance to the plant's root system. Once the plant is lifted, use your hands or a sharp knife to divide the plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and shoots. These sections can then be replanted immediately into well-prepared soil, ideally enriched with organic matter to encourage strong root development. Make sure to water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. It's essential to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during the initial growth period to ensure successful propagation.
