Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Leptinella squalida ‘Platt's Black’
Platt’s Black Brass Buttons
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 1 to 2 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches, mat-forming groundcover
- Flower color
- Small, yellow-green, insignificant
- Foliage color
- Dark green to black, fern-like
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade (darker foliage color in full sun)
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; may require occasional trimming
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Doesn’t generally attract wildlife
About this plant
Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black' is an attractive ground cover known for its unique dark foliage, which creates a dramatic contrast in the garden. The fern-like leaves range from deep purplish-black to dark green, providing year-round interest and adding a rich, moody tone to the landscape. In late spring to early summer, small, button-like yellow-green flowers appear, though they are often overshadowed by the bold foliage, which is the plant's main attraction.
Native to New Zealand, 'Platt's Black' is a cultivar of Leptinella squalida, prized for its ability to form a dense, mat-like cover in a variety of garden settings. Its distinctive dark color makes it a popular choice for edging, filling in between stepping stones, or as a contrast to lighter-colored plants. The combination of its unusual hue and low-maintenance growth habit makes it a standout option for adding texture and a touch of drama to the garden.
Works well in
Rock Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Pathways & Walkways · Borders
Companion plants
Aubrietas · Heathers · Lewisia · Coral bells · Candytuft · Fountain grasses
Design tip
Use this dark groundcover to create bold ribbons of contrasting foliage along pathways, rock gardens, or garden edges. Pair it with silver leaves, bright flowers, and varied textures to emphasize its dramatic color while creating rhythm and visual balance throughout the planting.
