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platts black new zealand flax

Looking for an eye-catching groundcover that brings texture and deep colour to your garden? Meet Leptinella ‘Platts Black’—often nicknamed the Bachelor Button Plant. While sometimes mistakenly referred to as “platts black new zealand flax”, this unique plant is actually a member of the Leptinella genus, renowned in New Zealand for its dense mat-forming habit and dramatic, almost black foliage. ‘Platts Black’ offers intricate fern-like leaves with rich purple-brown hues, creating a striking contrast against lighter groundcovers or lawn substitutes. It thrives in a variety of landscapes, from contemporary urban gardens to lush cottage beds, and is a favourite among gardeners seeking low-maintenance, drought-tolerant solutions.

Leptinella 'Platts Black'

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Leptinella 'Platts Black', also known as Bachelor Button Plant, is a unique NZ native groundcover admired for its finely divided, feathery foliage with striking black and bronze tones. In summer, it produces small, button like yellow flowers that add further charm. Forming a dense carpet, this hardy perennial is perfect for planting between pavers, in rockeries, or as a low maintenance groundcover. Its unusual colour and texture bring character and interest to NZ gardens.

Leptinella 'Platts Black' colourful foliage.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Groundcover Plants
  • Height:
    10 cm
  • Spread:
    50 cm
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Tropical
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Leptinella 'Platts Black'

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What is Leptinella 'Platts Black'?

Leptinella plants are native gems prized for their resilience and texture. ‘Platts Black’ stands out with its finely-divided foliage and unusual colour, making it perfect for borders, gravel gardens, or as a groundcover in shaded and sunny spots. Its compact growth remains tidy over time, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion. Unlike traditional New Zealand flax (Phormium), ‘Platts Black’ is a different species entirely, but it can complement Phormium cultivars beautifully in mixed plantings.

How to Grow and Use 'Platts Black' in Your Garden

‘Platts Black’ flourishes in well-draining soil and appreciates both partial shade and full sun. It’s adaptable, tolerant of dry conditions and frost, and can even handle light foot traffic if you’re designing a pathway or a low-growing lawn alternative. This makes it a practical choice for eco-friendly, water-wise planting schemes. Its bold colour also enhances rockeries, containers, and modern landscaping designs where contrast and texture are key.

For best results, plant ‘Platts Black’ in clusters, allowing it to spread into a lush carpet. It pairs well with other groundcovers such as Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons), which offer brighter green tones, or Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons), which introduce hints of purple. Consider mixing with Leptinella rotundifolia and Leptinella traillii (Button Daisy) for textural diversity across your garden floor.

Leptinella Varieties and Companion Planting

If you love the look of ‘Platts Black’, explore other Leptinella varieties for more colour and texture options. Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons) and Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons) both deliver low-maintenance coverage with unique foliage and contrast. For even more interest, mix with hardy groundcovers like Lithodora 'Crystal Blue', and structural plants such as Banksia blechnifolia and Leptospermum 'Mahinepua'. If you’re looking for foliage and form, Coprosma Green Rocks (Mirror Bush) makes an excellent companion. You can also add native diversity by including Correa reflexa nummularifolia (Correa nummulariifolia).

Your Source for ‘Platts Black’ in New Zealand

Enhance your garden with the beauty and practicality of ‘platts black new zealand flax’ (Leptinella ‘Platts Black’). Whether you’re after a dramatic accent or need a tough groundcover, this versatile plant thrives in New Zealand conditions and complements a wide array of native and exotic companions. Explore our growing selection of Leptinella and matching groundcovers to create a garden space you’ll love year-round.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi) and Aesculus hippocastanum, but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Escallonia 'Red Elf', Liriope muscari, and Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea?
–The Plant Company

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