Selaginella martensii

RHS Plant Profile
Martens club moss
Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse

An evergreen perennial to 20cm tall, with trailing or arching, fern-like stems bearing small glossy dark green scale-leaves

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Selaginellaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 peat-free, loam-based compost 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