Leptinella 'Platt's Black'

Leptinella squalida 'Platt’s Black': Dark Foliage with a Fine-Textured Finish

Unusual and striking, Leptinella 'Platt’s Black' is a low, ferny groundcover known for its fine, lace-like foliage in deep shades of bronzed black. Spreading gently to form a tight mat, this New Zealand native brings a bold, modern touch to rock gardens, between pavers, or at the edge of sunny borders. Its colour intensifies in full sun and cooler temperatures, making it a standout in contrast plantings. Tiny yellow button-like flowers appear in late spring, though its primary appeal lies in its striking foliage and low, spreading habit.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 2–5 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm and slowly expanding
• Flower Colour: Small yellow button-like blooms
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Deep bronze to black, finely cut and fern-like
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; prefers consistent moisture

Uses and Benefits: 'Platt’s Black' is ideal for weaving through crevices, softening stone edges, or creating moody contrast in container combinations. Its low profile and dark foliage add unexpected depth to alpine, gravel, or modern designs. Deer resistant and easy to manage, it thrives with minimal input and offers a fresh, textural layer at the soil surface.

Companion Plants: Pair Leptinella 'Platt’s Black' with Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' for a dramatic foliage contrast of black and electric chartreuse. Add Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' to introduce vibrant red and gold daisies that play off the dark mat below. Finish with Festuca glauca 'Beyond Blue', whose icy blue tufts provide spiky texture and a cool foil for the warmth and darkness around them.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry periods to maintain lush growth, especially in hot locations. Trim or divide in spring if needed to maintain a tidy mat. Best colour develops in full sun and cool weather.

History: Native to alpine regions of New Zealand, Leptinella squalida is part of the daisy family and has become a niche favourite in rock and design-forward gardens. 'Platt’s Black' is a standout cultivar appreciated for its rare foliage tone and adaptability in small spaces.

Final Thoughts: With its finely textured leaves and deep, smoky hues, Leptinella 'Platt’s Black' offers a bold ground-level accent—subtle in form but unforgettable in colour, perfect for adding drama in all the right places.