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Herbaceous Perennial

Selaginella uncinata
  • RHS AGM

peacock moss

A spreading or trailing, stem-rooting, semi-evergreen perennial forming a mat of finely divided moss like, metallic blue-green leaves

Other common names
blue spike moss
rainbow fern

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Blue
Summer Green Blue
Autumn Green Blue
Winter Green Blue
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Selaginellaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Selaginella are evergreen rhizomatous perennials which may be small and tufted or tall and scrambling, the slender stems covered with small scale-like leaves; spores develop in short terminal spikes

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in loam-based compost with added leaf mould. Water freely & feed monthly from April to September. Outside grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soil in partial shade and provide winter protection. In cold areas, grow in containers & overwinter indoors.

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required. Can prune out dead and faded growth as necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs or snails.

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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