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Leptinella potentillina is a vigorous, mat-forming perennial native to New Zealand, offering a unique and tactile ground cover option for the UK. It features soft, feathery, fern-like foliage that is a rich bronzy-green, creating an intricate texture that hugs the soil surface. In summer, it produces small, dome-like, petal-less yellow flowers that resemble tiny buttons, though the foliage is the main attraction. It is a fantastic choice for planting between stepping stones or paving slabs, as it can withstand moderate foot traffic and will release a faint, pleasant scent when stepped upon. It spreads indefinitely by creeping stems, filling gaps quickly. It prefers a moist but well-drained soil and thrives in full sun or partial shade. While hardy to H4, it may suffer in very harsh winters or in waterlogged soil, so good drainage is essential. It is also an excellent plant for alpine troughs or as a living mulch in container displays where it can spill over the edges.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.