Feather cushion, also called lye flower, is often planted as a lawn substitute. The cushion perennial is available in different colors that change depending on the season. What you need to consider when planting feather pads.

Origin and characteristics of the feather pad

Pinnate cushion is a very low cushion perennial that is very vigorous. Their homeland is the southern hemisphere. Depending on the variety, the plants reach a height of five to 15 centimetres.

Pinnate cushions are not planted because of the inconspicuous yellow flowers that bloom from May to July. The perennial is valued primarily for its finely feathered foliage. Most varieties have green leaves in summer that turn coppery to almost black in winter.

Not all varieties are perennial, hardy pinnate perennials should be selected for planting as a lawn substitute.

The best location for the ground cover

  • Sunny to semi-shady
  • Not too humus rich
  • permeable soil
  • Slightly moist location without waterlogging

Feather cushion is planted as a lawn substitute

The soil is prepared by removing weeds and soil compaction. Soil that is too nutrient-rich or solid should be loosened with sand.

The perennials are best planted in autumn or early spring. You need about 15 plants for one square meter of soil.

After insertion, the feather pad is well watered. Until the plants have spread, weeds must be pulled regularly.

Feather pads require little care

Once the ground cover has grown, you hardly have any more work to do with your replacement lawn. Above all, the annoying mowing is no longer necessary.

Not all pinnate varieties are hardy. In the case of sensitive varieties, cover the replacement lawn with brushwood in autumn to prevent the plants from freezing to death if the temperatures are too low.

Unlike, for example, Roman chamomile as a lawn substitute, feather padding is only partially step-resistant. Laying stepping stones is recommended on areas that are frequently walked on.

Popular Varieties

  • Cotula dioica "Minima" - green in summer, copper-colored in winter
  • Cotula hispida - Silvery all year round
  • Cotula potentillina - Green in summer, coppery in winter
  • Cotula squalida "Platt's Black" - red-brown in summer, almost black in winter, only conditionally hardy

tips and tricks

If it is very dry, feather pads will turn brown, as will lawns. However, the perennials recover very quickly as soon as they are watered.

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Garden design