Thursday, October 23, 2014

Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' is my favorite plant in the garden (this week)...


I cannot remember where it was that I bought Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' (golden spikemoss) this spring, but I do remember it was 2 qty, 4" containers that I planted. This spot requires plants that can be laid on. Lila loves to nap here and wake to watch the street/sidewalk/driveway and comment on passers-by (with the gate closed of course).

They spread out quite a bit over the summer and seemed to be happy even when I'd forget to throw any water their way.

Had I seen them available in a nursery I most certainly would have bought a couple more, but never did, that is until I was up in Seattle and spotted one (just one!) at City Peoples Garden Store. It was also on sale, I think 30% off.

Such a bright happy green...

The stats as per plantlust.com...

PLANT TYPE

Perennial, Groundcover

ZONES

6a-9b

SIZE

H:2"-6"
W:6"-14"

GROWING CONDITIONS

SOIL NEEDS:
Well-Drained, Rich
WATER NEEDS:
Even Moisture, Regular
SUN EXPOSURE:
Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade

FEATURES

FOLIAGE:
Evergreen, Gold / Yellow













If your curious for more I found an interesting article from the SF Gate that shares bits like: "Selaginellas are an interesting group of plants, hailing from both tropical and temperate regions, in places as far flung as China, South Africa and the Americas"

And this: "Moss or fern? Selaginella species are spore-producing plants that are frequently referred to as "fern allies." This prehistoric-era family (Selaginellaceae) separated itself early on from the ferns and is botanically closer to lycopods and quillworts. Genera in this family do not produce flowers but form inconspicuous strobili (cones) as lateral axes. Under dry conditions, certain selaginella species, such as S. lepidophylla, roll into brown balls, an occurrence known as poikilohydry. If then watered again, the brown balls become green, leading some to name these species "resurrection plants." (which reminds me I really should give my S. lepidophylla a good soaking one of these days)

So that's my "fav" this week, what's yours?

All material © 2009-2014 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

20 comments:

  1. So delicate looking and so tactile! Lucky that this do well for you, we can't get it to establish at ours.

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    1. There's another one, it grows as a mound (?) which I can't get to establish. Isn't it interesting when and where plants decide to take and when/where they don't?

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  2. This is a great little plant; really brightens even the shadiest of spots. I used to have it along my very shady, north-side path. Love your tapestry combo with the little saxifrage in the final photo.

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    1. I remember that path. It inspired me to seek out spike moss.

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    2. Thank you Darcy, and perhaps (like rickii) your path inspired me, you know one of those deep seeding memories that you are pulled by even if you don't really remember them.

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  3. What a cool plant! I haven't ever looked so closely at it before. I considered the plain green one for that area under my Folly but wasn't sure it would like it there, too sunny and dry. It does make a very nice ground cover tapestry where you have it planted.

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    Replies
    1. You've got plenty of shady spots Alison, try some!

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  4. I love this plant too. Mine has been overwhelmed by Persicaria 'Lance Corporal', but I know it's in there somewhere. Time for some editing.
    Here's my unusual (for me) choice for the week: http://bannersbyricki.com/archives/4054

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  5. Love that plant, and I agree with Darcy that it works beautifully with the Saxifraga. I just realized that I don't think I've seen my Selaginella this year - I imagine it probably bit it last winter. Well, when I get another one, I will be sure to copy your genius and put it with the Saxifraga I got from the Swap. My fave this week is currently laying unplanted in the garden - just unloaded it! http://flutterandhum.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/my-favorite-plant-this-week-cupressus-arizonica-var-glabra-raywoods-weeping/

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    1. Last winter would have certainly tested it! Love your fav.

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  6. Oh I like this plant even more now that I know that they come from an ancient family! everything with the word prehistoric is awesome.
    Wait, another thing catched my eye! are those Schefflera flowers?

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    1. Yes they are, good eye! The Schefflera brevipedunculata just keeps on flowering.

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  7. I should plant this for Mickey. He always flops on my Carex !

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    1. Oh yes, it would be very soft for his cute little tummy.

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  8. So pretty! If I had more water to offer plants, I'd definitely use it. I'm a little late with my favorite but here it is: http://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-favorite-plant-this-week-pennisetum.html

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    1. No such thing as late Kris, whenever works for you!

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  9. Have you tried Selaginella uncinata? I would presume that care would be similar to the kraussiana in your garden, and it has an interesting iridescent blue colour (as well as blushing pink in any spots that get a bit more light) that makes it really stand out. It's often sold as terrarium plant, and I think Exotic Angel or one of those big operations down there produces hanging baskets.

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    1. Yes! I planted some late last fall and it completely disappeared over the winter (it was a bad winter, 12F and lots of snow). The blue sheen was amazing. I'll try and remember to look out for it in the spring, thanks for the reminder.

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  10. Looks like a lovely soft bed for Lila and is really nice against the surrounding darker plants. On another note I also like the look of whatever it is in the top left hand corner of the second last photo! My favourite this week

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  11. Love that spike moss! The color is so much more striking and it's so much more dense than my airy-fairy Sellaginella uncinata.
    Here's my fave, almost a week later: http://mulchmaid.blogspot.com/2014/10/mahonia-repens-is-my-favorite-plant-in.html

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