For the last month or more, every time I sit on the living room couch and look out the window, I've seen a mass of bright yellow in the backyard border. Much of this comes from Achillea 'Moonshine' but recently Cotula 'Tiffendell Gold' has added an echo at the edge of the border.
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Attracted by the foliage, I put in 3 of these plants, also called "Martian Moondrops," last summer. Rhizomes spread 12 inches (30 cm) or more to form an evergreen, gray-green ground covering mat less than 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall. Pretty as the foliage is, the yellow button flowers that sit atop wiry stems averaging 5 inches (12.7 cm) tall add a nice quirky element to the mix. Regular dead-heading extends the bloom period.
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While the flowers of 'Tiffendell Gold' are about half and inch (1.27 cm) in diameter, I have another variety, Cotula lineariloba 'Big Yellow Moon,' that produces flowers an inch (2.54 cm) in size. The foliage of this plant is similar but its spread is said to be far greater. Reportedly, it can grow up to 3 feet (.91 m) wide. Mine spread rapidly since it was planted early this year, although it has developed a hole at its center along the way.
Both plants will grow in full sun to partial shade but on-line sources suggest that 'Tiffendell Gold' is more cold hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -20F (-28.8C), as well as drought tolerant. Cotula 'Tiffendell Gold' is my favorite plant this week and my contribution to the meme sponsored by Loree at danger garden. You can see Loree's favorite and find links to other gardeners' selection by clicking here.
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| Cotula 'Tiffendell Gold' is in the foreground |
Attracted by the foliage, I put in 3 of these plants, also called "Martian Moondrops," last summer. Rhizomes spread 12 inches (30 cm) or more to form an evergreen, gray-green ground covering mat less than 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall. Pretty as the foliage is, the yellow button flowers that sit atop wiry stems averaging 5 inches (12.7 cm) tall add a nice quirky element to the mix. Regular dead-heading extends the bloom period.
While the flowers of 'Tiffendell Gold' are about half and inch (1.27 cm) in diameter, I have another variety, Cotula lineariloba 'Big Yellow Moon,' that produces flowers an inch (2.54 cm) in size. The foliage of this plant is similar but its spread is said to be far greater. Reportedly, it can grow up to 3 feet (.91 m) wide. Mine spread rapidly since it was planted early this year, although it has developed a hole at its center along the way.
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| Cotula lineariloba 'Big Yellow Moon' has larger flowers and a broader spread but requires more water |
Both plants will grow in full sun to partial shade but on-line sources suggest that 'Tiffendell Gold' is more cold hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -20F (-28.8C), as well as drought tolerant. Cotula 'Tiffendell Gold' is my favorite plant this week and my contribution to the meme sponsored by Loree at danger garden. You can see Loree's favorite and find links to other gardeners' selection by clicking here.