Also known as Brass Buttons · 119 gardener saves
Leptinella: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Leptinella, the genus most gardeners know as brass buttons. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Leptinella varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBrass Buttons
Leptinella squamigera
#2 most savedPlatt's Black Brass Buttons
Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black'
#3 most savedBrass Buttons
Leptinella potentillina 'Brass Buttons'
How to grow Leptinella
What the Leptinella varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Leptinella year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant plugs or divisions in spring or early fall
- DivideMarch and April100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate or propagate
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 💧
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot 🌱
- Prune lightly to maintain shape and promote bushiness ✂️
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune lightly to shape and promote bushier growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues ❌
- Do not neglect pruning, as it encourages healthy growth ✂️
- Keep away from heavy, clay soils that retain excess water ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Leptinella
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
| Root Rot | Wilting and browning of roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Leptinella
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.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
Leptinella questions
How many types of Leptinella are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Leptinella varieties. The most popular — ranked by 119 real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Leptinella shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Leptinella in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
