The Story
Plant Bio
Scleranthus biflorus is a dense, cushion-like perennial herb native to the alpine and coastal regions of Australia and New Zealand. It forms a tight, spongy, moss-like carpet of tiny, needle-like evergreen leaves that spread slowly over rocks and soil.
'Lime Lava' is distinguished by its exceptionally vibrant, lime-green to yellow-green foliage that maintains its bright coloration throughout the year. Its minute, petal-less flowers appear in pairs on short stalks during late spring but remain largely inconspicuous against the vivid mat.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
4"
Width
35"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low to Moderate
Humidity
Low to Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Australia, New Zealand
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with gritty, sandy, or rocky soil that drains rapidly.
- Dig a shallow hole matching the depth of the root ball and gently press the plant into place.
- Water sparingly but regularly until the roots establish, ensuring the surrounding soil never remains soggy.
- Protect the plant with afternoon shade in regions experiencing intense, high-humidity summer heat.
Pro Tip
Provide exceptionally sharp drainage in a rockery or gravel bed; standing water or heavy, wet winter soils will rapidly rot the dense root system.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Grow in highly porous, gravelly soil mixes to ensure rapid drainage.
- Water during prolonged dry spells to prevent the dense cushion from drying out completely.
- Clear away any fallen leaves or debris from the top of the mat to prevent rot.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas where water pools.
- Do not apply heavy fertilizers, which cause the tight cushion to become loose and open.
- Do not cut back hard into the old, woody interior as it will not regenerate.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
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
Australian Astroturf questions
What zones can Australian Astroturf grow in?
Australian Astroturf is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Australian Astroturf bloom?
Australian Astroturf typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Australian Astroturf need full sun?
Australian Astroturf does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Australian Astroturf drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Australian Astroturf handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Scleranthus to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Australian Astroturf 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.