Leptinella dioica Minima

Leptinella dioica Minima is a low-growing perennial plant that forms a carpet and has small evergreen foliage reminiscent of miniature ferns. This green carpet turns brown in winter and is adorned with tiny light yellow flower heads in summer, resembling small pompoms. It is an adorable little carpet to discover, which thrives in damp and humus-rich soil. Ideal for wet areas, it can replace moss in a Japanese garden or fill the gaps in walls, preferably in partial shade.

Leptinella dioica belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to New Zealand, where it is found in coastal and wet areas. It is a hardy perennial plant to -15°C (5°F) and well-suited for seaside gardens. The 'Minima' variety distinguishes itself with smaller leaves and slightly less growth. This plant quickly forms a very low, dense, compact, and well-groomed carpet-like mat. Its adult size will not exceed 2-3 cm (1in) in height, 10 cm (4in) in flower, with a spread of 35 cm (14in) or more. The evergreen foliage is aromatic when crushed. Its colour is a fairly dark but vibrant green until late summer, and it turns more or less brown to bronze in autumn and winter. The tiny oval leaves are strongly dentate on the edges, resembling miniature ferns. The flowering period takes place in June-July, with violet flower buds opening into small, discreet yellow to cream-coloured flower heads, measuring 7 mm (0.5in) in diameter. The plant constantly spreads through the runners it produces thanks to its stoloniferous stems.

Leptinella dioica Minima likes moist and humus-rich areas of the garden, in well-drained soil, where it performs as a groundcover plant perfectly. Although still little used in our gardens, it is relatively hardy and forms a very decorative groundcover, even in less-trafficked areas of the garden. It can replace moss in Japanese-inspired designs, blending perfectly with round stones. It can also be planted in the joints of paving stones or between stones in a wall, always in damp to moist soil. It is a beautiful plant for complimenting waterfalls and surrounding water features. Azorella trifurcata Nana is of the same vein but more drought-resistant. Raoulia australis, also fascinating, grows in the wild under the same conditions, requiring a lot of moisture, but it is more demanding in terms of winter moisture. This Leptinella can easily be planted at the base of bushes or in large well-watered containers, where it will thrive.