Add to that its tolerance of deep shade (read: most of my front yard) and its feathery, floaty foliage that looks perfect in summer, and I have a winner in two pots on my front porch.
I had another workhorse, deep-shade-tolerant Carex morrowi, in these pots for years but I got just a little tired of them. Selaginella uncinata was their heir apparent.
Here's a little more about Peacock Spike Moss, from Plant Lust. First Xera's description:
"Peacock club moss is an extraordinary small foliage plant. Trailing branches are clad in surreal green blue as well as green-a great effect. In winter it takes on tints of maroon and orange. Perfect for shady locations with rich well drained soil that retains moisture. Excellent at the base of large Rhododendrons with ferns and Hosta. Regular water in part shade to shade."And from Plant Delights:
"Peacock moss (a prehistoric fern relative) is one of my favorite groundcovers for the woodland garden...I bet I say that to all the selaginellas. The low, spreading habit and the semi-evergreen metallic aquamarine foliage, overlaid on a green background, are sure to make visitors stop to admire this gem. The color is best after the new growth emerges in late spring."
The stats:
Zone: 7a-11
Water: Regular moisture during summer
Size: Xera says the plant will be about a foot across, but mine are bigger (those pots are a foot across). About 8" high.
Soil needs: Well-drained, rich
Foliage: Semi-evergreen. Tints of orange and bronze in Fall
These pots stayed out all winter - because of our cold periods the plants died right back and were slow to come back in spring. The iridescence takes warmth to develop in summer, too. But once that psychedelic color comes back they are fabulous.
The favorite plant meme is hosted by Loree at danger garden. See what favorites are happening in other gardens this week by checking the comments at the link.
