Sun loving Moss? Scleranthus biflorus

The common name for this species is ‘Canberra Grass’ even though it has a very un-grass-like appearance, it is commonly mistaken for a moss and makes a wonderful moss substitute in Japanese style gardens. It is happiest in a sunny position and contrasts well with broad-leaved plants.

Scleranthus biflorus likes growing in areas with low humidity, it can suffer from fungal problems if the drainage is not adequate. It thrives in a position where it can spread over an in-organic surface that won’t decompose or rot, like gravel or pebbles. It also performs well in a pot or container and will spill over giving it a lovely oozing habit 😉

Scleranthus bilforus also looks amazing mass planted where it can create a continuous lumpy lime green carpet. It has a beautiful texture and from a distance appears soft and luscious. I am going to try planting some in pots this month as it hates my shady, clay garden beds.

Posted

16/04/2016

Drought hardy, Frost tolerant, Groundcover, Natives for containers

Kath Gadd

Tags:

carpeting ground cover, foliage contrast, Scleranthus biflorus, well drained soil, wind tolerant

Comments

17 responses to “Sun loving Moss? Scleranthus biflorus”

Izzy

16/10/2025

Hello Kathleen. Thank you for great photos of Scleranthus biflorus. They helped me to identify a mystery plant in my garden. None of my neighbours have the plant. I have been researching the guest from every possible domestic sites and collections, but with no luck. Your photos are the first images that even resemble my plant. I can’t be 100% certain that it is your Scleranthus biflorus. I so hope so. I know it is not something native to Finnish flora. And I have a certain timeline it appeared as a tiny round growth in between of my patio flagstones. It has survived for decades on my stony patio and has spread delightfully. I have only one question: when does it bloom? Mine does, and that makes me suspicious about the identification. If you were so kind and reply to my question, I would be very grateful 💌

Reply
Victoria

14/04/2024

Great article, very helpful, thank you.

Reply
Kathleen

16/03/2022

I’m trying it out in my own garden before using in designs here in Sacrament California, Do you know if it prefer to be irrigated by sprayers or in-line drip??

Thanks!

Reply
1. Kath Gadd
  
  28/03/2022
  
  Hi Kathleen,
  
  It won’t like too much water so I would actually recommended not irrigating it and perhaps giving it a hand water in really dry times. Overwatering Scleranthus can be a common cause of death. How well your plants do may depend on where the seed has been sourced too. If you do decide to irrigate I’d suggest in-line.
  
  All the best,
  
  Reply
Emily

24/06/2021

I adore your website – so much wonderful information and inspiration. You’re very generous with your knolwedge and creativity!

Im wondering how scleranthus goes in very hot weather and drought. Ive seen it at local nurseries, and the label says it requires moisture. But, Im pretty sure Ive seen it growing in a rocky embankment nearby and so Im wondering if it survives, or if the owners water it….or perhaps water drains over the area. I live Central Victoria so we get protracted hot and dry weather, but dont get much humidity.

Reply
1. Kath Gadd
  
  09/08/2021
  
  Hi Emily,
  
  Thank you very much. I believe Scleranthus biflorus will be able to tolerate hot weather and drought reasonably well in your area. The natural distribution of the species spans coastal to alpine regions so some plants are likely well adapted to rocky embankment sites. How well a plant does in your own garden might depend on where the seed has been sourced from and factors such as rainfall as you say. It will like the lack of humidity, and I would certainly give it a go if I were you, perhaps watering in really dry times and monitoring how it does.
  
  Best wishes,
  Kath
  
  Reply
Jason

10/06/2021

Will it do well in full shade under a tree?

Reply
1. Kath Gadd
  
  09/08/2021
  
  Hi Jason,
  
  S. biflorus really prefers a sunny position so no, it probably won’t do well under a shady tree.
  
  All the best,
  Kath
  
  Reply
Poppie Greane

14/01/2021

Is it poisonous to any pets?

Reply
1. Kath Gadd
  
  22/02/2021
  
  Hi Poppie,
  
  I cannot find any info on Scleranthus being poisonous, so I would say it’s very unlikely.
  
  All the best,
  Kath
  
  Reply
Julie McDonnell

25/11/2020

Can you overwater it

Reply
1. Kath Gadd
  
  29/12/2020
  
  Hi Julie,
  
  Yes! you definitely can over-water Scleranthus, this is probably their main cause of death in the home garden.
  
  Best Wishes,
  
  Kath
  
  Reply
Michele Bowler

23/10/2018

Is Scleranthus biflorus an ever green plant or does it die off in certain months. Thanks for your help.
Michele

Reply
1. Kim
  
  30/10/2020
  
  Evergreen
  
  Reply
Sonja

01/10/2018

Can Scleranthus biflorus be walked on? We’re thinking of planting some in a small section of a garden bed near our pool?
TIA

Reply
1. Kath Gadd
  
  01/10/2018
  
  Hi Tia,
  
  I think it could be walked on occasionally, perhaps it would be good between steppers?
  
  Best,
  
  Kath
  
  Reply
2. Patrick Thurtell
  
  05/02/2025
  
  Hi there,
  
  Would this grass stay growing in a vertical position? I am a construction worker interested in green-housing services.
  
  Reply