Scaly Buttons

Scaly Buttons (Leptorhynchos squamatus) is a small Australian native daisy with slender, grassy grey green leaves and tiny deep yellow button flowers on long, wiry stems. The leafy clump stays low and narrow, about 10 to 15cm wide, while the flower stems rise as high as 50cm in the warmer months. It is a plant for naturalised, wildlife and dry climate gardens, not a bold specimen.

Why you'll love it

• Buttons of deep yellow. Tiny golden flowers dot the planting on wiry stems through the warmer months.
• A true southern native. It is found across southern Australia in bushland and grassland, so it sits naturally in native and wildlife plantings.
• Adaptable. In the wild it grows in moist clay and dry sandy soils alike, which makes it a flexible choice for dry climate gardens.
• A light touch. Fine foliage and a narrow clump let it weave between larger plants without smothering them.
• Easy going. Give it sun and free draining soil, mulch it, water it in, and it makes itself at home.

Where it works best

Naturalised drifts. Plant 15cm apart in loose drifts among native grasses and low shrubs, where the wiry flower stems weave through their neighbours.

Wild and wildlife gardens. Its informal, wildflower look suits meadow style plantings and gardens that welcome wildlife.

Pots and baskets. A hanging basket or pot of free draining mix in full sun shows the flowers off at eye level.

Growing Scaly Buttons in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun maximises flowering, though it tolerates part shade. Because it grows across southern Australia, it adapts to most dry climate gardens, including warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and semi arid ones, and it copes with frost.

Soil. Light, free draining soil is best. In the wild it also grows in moist clay and heavier soils, so it is adaptable, but test its resilience on your own soil before planting a large area.

Water and feed. Mulch and water until it establishes, then leave it to the weather. It needs little else.

Pruning. No formal pruning is needed. Snip off spent flower stems if you want a neater clump.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Scaly Buttons as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plants arrive small and fine leaved, so plant them out soon after delivery, mulch and water until they take hold. Flowers follow in the warmer months once the plant has settled in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse groundcover plants
• More Australian native plants
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• Designing a native garden for wildlife

Common questions

How big does it get?

The leafy clump stays small, around 10 to 15cm wide. Height varies from about 10cm up to 50cm, depending on how tall the flower stems grow.

Is it really scaly?

Not to look at. It is an odd name for a delicate plant with slender leaves and wiry stems topped by round golden buttons.

Can I grow it in a pot or basket?

Yes. Use a free draining mix, put it in full sun for the most flowers, and keep it watered while it establishes.