The bristly cotula (Cotula hispida syn. Leptinella hispida) is a perennial ground cover native to South Africa where it grows at altitudes up to 2800m.Its hardiness is around -10 to -12°C which allows it to be grown in many regions.It forms a very short, dense, spreading, mossy-looking ground cover, made up of tiny evergreen, silky, finely cut leaves, as if bristling, bluish green with silver highlights.Its flowers in small yellow pompoms bloom in June and July, at the top of long thin stems.They are devoid of ligules and do not reach 1cm in diameter: they are reminiscent of the heart of the chamomile flower and look like domed boot buttons.After flowering, the bristly cotula produces seeds (achenes).Its growth is relatively fast but watch that it does not thin out too much in the middle, which then indicates that a division may be necessary.Its very good tolerance to drought as well as its practically zero need for water makes it an interesting plant to install in the garden to adapt to climate change.However, cold and wet winters will not bring him any good.The ruffled cotula is grown in full sun in all types of well-drained soil, if possible a little cool, but not too much because it fears winter humidity.It is in the spring that you will sow the seeds of cotule hérissée, at 13-18°C.The division of slightly older clumps is done in March or in autumn, making it possible to fill in the empty spaces between the plants.Planting should be done in spring or fall, especially in regions with mild winters, respecting a density of 6 to 8 feet/m².The maintenance of the bristly cotula is very simple since it suffices to remove the stems and dried flowers at the end of winter.Before winter, if severe frosts can occur, it should be protected or brought inside if it is in a pot.The bristly cotula does not fear disease or parasite attacks.It is a plant that is grown in rockery, on a sunny slope, on the edge of shrubs planted in poor and rocky soil, in dry gardens, as well as in pots.The genus Cotula has around 55 species, including the bristly cotula (Cotula hispida) but also the crow's-foot cotula (Cotula coronopifolia), also native to South Africa, but which likes cool ground. and humid, and has the unfortunate inconvenience of becoming invasive on the entire Atlantic coast…(photo credit: cultivar413 - CC BY 2.0)First name or nickname (required)Security code to copy/paste or recopy: bnYhReReceive an email notification when a reply is posted