Rainbow Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata 'RainbowPeacock Moss'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
4 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, prefers moist soil
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Selaginella uncinata, commonly known as Rainbow Peacock Moss, is a vibrant, low-growing ground cover with delicate, fern-like foliage displaying iridescent shades of green, blue, and purple, creating a striking visual effect. This cultivar is distinguished by its shimmering, rainbow-hued foliage that adds a vivid, ornamental touch to shaded gardens and terrariums, thriving in moist, well-drained soils.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores into moist soil in spring, keep consistently moist for 4 weeks.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Place in partial shade with indirect light for optimal growth.
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
- Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
Pro Tip
Maintain consistent moisture and shade for lush growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist and well-drained 🌱
- Provide partial shade to prevent leaf scorch
- Mist regularly to increase humidity
Don't
- Avoid direct full sun exposure ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy fertilization which can cause legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Rainbow Peacock Moss questions
What zones can Rainbow Peacock Moss grow in?
Rainbow Peacock Moss is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Rainbow Peacock Moss deer resistant?
Yes — Rainbow Peacock Moss is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Rainbow Peacock Moss bloom?
Rainbow Peacock Moss typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Rainbow Peacock Moss need full sun?
Rainbow Peacock Moss does best in part shade.
More Selaginella to compare
Northern Spikemoss
Selaginella borealis
Golden Selaginella
Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea'
Rock Spikemoss
Selaginella rupestris 'Bald Knob'
Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata
Moellendorff's spikemoss
Selaginella moellendorffii
Meadow Spikemoss
Selaginella apoda
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Rainbow Peacock Moss with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
