July Plant of the Month: Selaginella – A Trouble Free Superplant!

Selaginella, Photo by Brenda Bolton

By Brenda Bolton, Mobile County Master Gardener Need a petite-sized, lacy fern that returns reliably each spring? Try the Spike moss perennial Selaginella, v. Braunii, commonly known as Arborvitae Fern.  Despite its appearance and common names, it is neither fern nor moss, but rather a subgenus of Lycophytes, hailing from prehistoric times. Needs:  Shade, a moist spot, rich soil. Characteristics:  A long season—early spring to hard winter, 6” to 15” tall (v. Braunii), largely insect and disease free, fills in without being invasive, shades of medium to deep green that take on colorful bronze tones in cold weather. While Braunii is my favorite, another popular variety is Peacock, with its almost iridescent blue-green color, low and spreading habit, nice in moist containers to drape over edges. These are just 2 of the over 700 Selaginella varieties, perfect in that low, damp shady corner of the garden or around a water feature capturing overspray.