Also known as Brass Buttons · 130 saves
Leptinella
Leptinella, the genus most gardeners know as brass buttons. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 2 most-saved Leptinella varieties
Browse all 4 Leptinella varieties →
2 species of Leptinella
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Leptinella in Sow
Save the Leptinella you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Leptinella
Whats common across all Leptinella varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Leptinella year
- PlantMarch, April, May, September and October100% of varieties
Plant plugs closely spaced so the mat closes within a season.
- DivideMarch and April75% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate or propagate
Do
- Keep the mat evenly moist 💧
- Give it a hard edge to contain the spread 🧱
- Use it between stepping stones 🪨
- Give light shade where summers are hot 🌤️
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 💧
Avoid
- Let it dry out ❌
- Plant it loose beside small alpines ❌
- Expect it to stop spreading on its own ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues ❌
What goes wrong with Leptinella
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Colonies on soft new growth in spring | Hose them off; damage is usually minor |
| Leaf miners | Pale tunnels in the tiny leaves, thinning the mat in patches | Remove affected areas; the mat regrows quickly from surrounding runners |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
| Verticillium wilt | Patches of the mat yellowing and dying back | Remove affected patches with the soil beneath and replant from clean stock |
| Root Rot | Wilting and browning of roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Leptinella
Division
- Lift a rooted section of the mat at any time in growth.
- Press it into moist soil at the new position.
- Keep it watered until it knits in.
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
- Place in moist soil and mist daily.
- Roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
Leptinella questions
How many types of Leptinella are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Leptinella varieties. The most popular — ranked by 130 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Leptinella grow in?
Across its varieties, Leptinella covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Leptinella bloom?
Most Leptinella varieties bloom in late spring, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Leptinella should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.