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leptinella squalida brass buttons

Looking for a dependable, hardy ground cover with unique character? Leptinella squalida brass buttons is an ideal choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking a low-growing, visually striking plant. True to its name, this spreading perennial features tiny, button-like yellow-green flowers and finely divided foliage that adds texture and interest to pathways, garden edges, rockeries, and containers. With its compact habit and evergreen foliage, leptinella squalida brass buttons delivers year-round appeal and requires minimal care once established.

leptinella-dioica-

Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons)

5 from 1 customers

Leptinella dioica (aka Cotula dioica), commonly known as Bachelors Buttons, is an herbaceous perennial native to New Zealand. It is a creeping and somewhat fleshy plant that bears small and green, fern-like leaves with a touch of bronze. Small, yellow flowers are borne through spring and summer amidst the foliage as it grows to 10 cm tall and 70 cm wide. Leptinella dioica is a great plant to use as a low groundcover, for planting between rocks and pavers, using in tropical gardens, or planting around pool areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock, Tropical
leptinella-pusilla-

Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

5 from 1 customers

Leptinella pusilla, commonly known as the Purple Brass Buttons plant, is an herbaceous perennial native to New Zealand. It is a creeping and somewhat fleshy plant bearing small, purple-green, fern-like leaves. Small, yellow flowers are borne through spring and summer amidst the foliage. It typically grows to 10 cm tall and 70 cm wide. Leptinella pusilla is a great plant to use as a low groundcover, for planting between rocks and pavers, using in tropical gardens, or planting around pool areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock, Tropical
Gardenia 'Buttons' small, white flowers and dark green foliage.

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An elegant Alstroemeria 'White Buttons' plant with white flowers in a pot.

Alstroemeria White Buttons (Peruvian Lily)

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Camellia 'Buttons and Bows'

Camellia 'Buttons and Bows' is a charming evergreen shrub admired for its formal double white blooms delicately edged in soft pink. Flowering from...

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A cluster of Hoya 'Red Buttons' purple and red flowers.

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Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alstroemeria, Camellia, Gardenia Hoya and Leptinella, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search leptinella squalida brass buttons

What is Leptinella squalida brass buttons?

Leptinella squalida brass buttons is a native New Zealand ground cover from the family Asteraceae. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and succeeds in a range of soils, making it exceptionally versatile for both home gardens and landscaping projects. When planted densely, leptinella squalida brass buttons forms a lush, carpet-like mat topped with distinctive, brass-hued blooms in spring and summer.

This species is prized for its tolerance of foot traffic, so it's perfect for planting between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative in small spaces. The finely textured foliage creates a soft, ferny look—a feature that complements cottage gardens, coastal schemes, and formal plantings alike.

Growing and Caring for Leptinella squalida brass buttons

Leptinella squalida brass buttons is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers moist, well-draining soils but can cope with brief dry spells once established. For best results, plant in a spot with light shade, especially in warmer regions, to avoid leaf scorching. Regular watering helps new plantings settle in, and occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser promotes healthy growth and flowering.

Trim back excess foliage for tidiness if needed, but otherwise, the plant is remarkably self-sufficient. As a bonus, leptinella squalida brass buttons rarely suffers from pests or diseases, making it a reliable option for low-maintenance gardens.

Ideal Uses for Leptinella squalida brass buttons

Gardeners love leptinella squalida brass buttons for its adaptability and aesthetic appeal. Use it to fill bare patches beneath trees, cascade over retaining walls, soften hard landscaping, or enliven container displays. Its compact form makes it an excellent companion for stepping stones and pathways—you can walk on it without damaging the plants.

For larger landscaping schemes, pair leptinella squalida brass buttons with other low-growing, New Zealand natives for a harmonious look. Explore related species like Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons), Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons), Leptinella 'Platts Black', Leptinella traillii (Button Daisy), and Leptinella rotundifolia for even more colour and texture options.

Discover the beauty of Leptinella squalida brass buttons

Whether you’re designing a new border or seeking a spillover accent for a rockery, leptinella squalida brass buttons fits effortlessly into almost any scheme. Its unique foliage, cheerful blooms, and robust nature ensure it remains a favourite among New Zealand gardeners season after season. Consider adding this plant—and its relatives—to your garden for enduring style and easy care.


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You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' and Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood), but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush), Azalea 'Kosmos', and Dianella 'Breeze'?
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