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Conservatory Greenhouse

Selaginella martensii
  • RHS AGM

Martens club moss

S. martensii is an evergreen perennial to 20cm tall, with trailing or arching, fern-like stems bearing small glossy dark green scale-leaves

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

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Selaginellaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
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

In frost prone areas grow under glass in a mixture of two parts loam (JI No2) and one part leafmould, in bright but filtered light. Requires a minimum temperature of 5-7C in the winter months

Propagation

Sow spores at 21C (70F) as soon as they are ripe. Divide the rhizomes of rooted stems in the spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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