Golden Selaginella
Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
6 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, prefers moist soil
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southern Africa
Toxicity
Non-toxic to pets and humans
The Story
Plant Bio
Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' is a low-growing, evergreen fern ally featuring delicate, moss-like foliage with bright yellow-green coloration and a spreading, mat-forming habit. This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant golden-yellow foliage, which adds a striking splash of color to shaded garden areas and containers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or small cuttings into moist soil in spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Mist foliage regularly to maintain humidity.
- Place in partial shade for best color development.
- Transplant if necessary after roots establish in 4–6 weeks.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Maintain even moisture and indirect light for vibrant golden foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade for optimal color
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Expose to direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Over-fertilize which can cause legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| 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
Golden Selaginella questions
What zones can Golden Selaginella grow in?
Golden Selaginella is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Selaginella deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Selaginella, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Golden Selaginella bloom?
Golden Selaginella typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Selaginella need full sun?
Golden Selaginella does best in part shade.
More Selaginella to compare
Northern Spikemoss
Selaginella borealis
Rock Spikemoss
Selaginella rupestris 'Bald Knob'
Rainbow Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata 'RainbowPeacock Moss'
Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata
Moellendorff's spikemoss
Selaginella moellendorffii
Meadow Spikemoss
Selaginella apoda
Keep exploring
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Grow Golden Selaginella 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.
