"Unusual plants: Soleirolia"

Soleirolia soleirolii (that's the funny name), syn. Hexline soleirolia, comes in at least 3 forms, this first being the basic green one. It is a very low-growing, mat-former, not more than 2" high, but with indefinite spread. It grows in shady places around the Mediterranean, and there is no agreement in the literature as to how hardy it is. The American Horticultural Society says Zone 10, but several nurseries that sell it describe it as much hardier.It may simply be deciduous in colder zones, but we won't venture a guess as to how much cold it can survive. Books say it's easy; we find it fussy, especially as regards water requirements.Leaves are tiny and densely packed. Works well in terreria and is used in a sort of topiary by shaping a mound for it to grow on. Pictured top right.

Soleirolia Baby's Tears, Irish Moss, Mind Your Own Business I confess I'm mystified by the popularity of this plant. I mean, I don't hate it or anything, but what's the big deal? Great numbers of people seem willing to order a single pot of it, paying the price of the plant, plus the minimum shipping charge to distant zones, making it way too expensive, in my humble opinion. OK, it has small leaves and makes a nice shady-area groundcover, but it doesn't really flower, doesn't seem very hardy or drought tolerant, and can be difficult to eradicate if it gets into the wrong place. You can get all these qualities with the much hardier Corsican Mint, Mentha requienii, and fragrance to boot. Oh, well, de gustibus.... Oh, yeah, and it has a funny name.

*Soleirolia soleirolii* (that's the funny name), syn. Hexline soleirolia, comes in at least 3 forms, this first being the basic green one. It is a very low-growing, mat-former, not more than 2" high, but with indefinite spread. It grows in shady places around the Mediterranean, and there is no agreement in the literature as to how hardy it is. The American Horticultural Society says Zone 10, but several nurseries that sell it describe it as much hardier.It may simply be deciduous in colder zones, but we won't venture a guess as to how much cold it can survive. Books say it's easy; we find it fussy, especially as regards water requirements.Leaves are tiny and densely packed. Works well in terreria and is used in a sort of topiary by shaping a mound for it to grow on. Pictured top right.	Green Baby's Tears 4" pot $4.00 Limit 3
Soleirolia soleirolii 'Aurea'. Sometimes sold as 'Golden Queen'. Like the green form, but it's gold, so it can highlight a shady area. SOLD OUT Golden Baby's Tears 4" pot $4.00 Limit 3