100x No mow lawn - $3.99 each
Leptinella dioica (Cotula dioica)
Overview
Leptinella dioica is a hardy, fast-spreading New Zealand native groundcover admired for its fine, fern-like foliage and tight, low-carpet habit. Ideal for filling gaps, edging paths, softening hard landscaping, or creating a dense living mulch in tough sites.
Key Features
Foliage:
Delicate, finely divided, feathery foliage in fresh green tones. Forms a tidy, close-knitted mat.
Flowers / Fruit:
Small, button-like cream to yellow flower heads held just above the foliage in late spring to summer. Not showy, but adds seasonal interest.
Form & Habit:
Very low-growing and spreading; forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively.
Growth Rate:
Fast once established.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Useful for stabilising soil, groundcover in native plantings, and creating naturalistic textures in rockeries and coastal gardens.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 2–5 cm |
| Spread | 50–80 cm (spreading mat) |
| Form | Low, creeping, ground-hugging |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Moderate; tolerates dry periods once established |
| Soil | Prefers free-draining soils; tolerates coastal, sandy, or poor soils |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates frost and coastal exposure |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Excellent groundcover for mass planting
-
Great between pavers or stepping stones
-
Rock gardens, coastal gardens, and dry banks
-
Living mulch under shrubs and in native landscapes
Care & Maintenance
Pruning:
Minimal; trim edges to keep defined borders.
Watering:
Water regularly during establishment; low-water requirement once settled.
Feeding:
Light application of general fertiliser in spring if desired.
Pests & Diseases:
Generally pest- and disease-free.
Additional Tips
Performs best when allowed to spread freely. Avoid waterlogged soils. Great alternative to lawn in low-traffic areas.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Leptinella species are known for their intricate foliage and ability to thrive in exposed, coastal environments—making them a favourite for textural ground layers in modern NZ gardens.
Why Choose Leptinella dioica?
Choose Leptinella dioica for a tough, attractive, ultra-low groundcover that fills space quickly and adds fine texture year-round with minimal care.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
