About Flower of Stone
Flower of Stone (Selaginella lepidophylla) is grown for garden performance matched to its site needs. Expect partial sun, typically 0.3 m tall, low water once established.
Can Flower of Stone take your winter? Type your ZIP below and compare it with Zones 8–10.
2023 USDA ZIP listings (PRISM / USDA-ARS). Find Your USDA Hardiness Zone · Official USDA map.
Is Flower of Stone Right for Your Garden?
Best for
- Small gardens, courtyard planting, and container growing
- Dry gardens, gravel schemes, or water-restricted sites
Not recommended if
- Large open spaces where a bolder specimen is needed
- Permanently moist or boggy ground
Trade-off to know
Flower of Stone is tolerant once established, but needs consistent water in the first season. Drought tolerance builds slowly — expect 1–2 years before it can fend for itself in dry spells.
Growing Conditions for Flower of Stone
Site checklist
- Sun: partial sun
- Soil drainage: Well Drained
- Water: Low
- Hardiness zones: 8, 9, 10
Adjustments
- Wrong light level is the most common cause of weak performance
- Fix drainage before treating leaf symptoms
Shared growing steps for this plant’s group: How to Grow Spike Moss. Notes below stay specific to this plant.
How to Care for Flower of Stone
Establishment
- Plant Flower of Stone in a site matching its sun and drainage needs
- Water regularly until roots settle, then match watering to the plant’s need
Ongoing care
- Mulch to buffer moisture swings
- Remove dead or damaged growth in season
- Avoid constant wet foliage where disease pressure is high
Diagnosing Problems with Flower of Stone
| Symptom | Likely cause | Confirming sign | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves wilting or scorching at tips in dry weather | Drought stress | Soil dry 5+ cm deep; leaf tips brown and crisp, not soft | Water Flower of Stone deeply at the base once weekly in dry spells. Mulch around the root zone to retain moisture. |
| Sudden wilting on one branch while rest of plant looks healthy | Root rot from poor drainage in one spot | Affected branch has dark, mushy roots when gently uncovered | Cut back affected branch to healthy wood. Improve drainage in that area before the next growing season. |
Leaves wilting or scorching at tips in dry weather
- Likely cause
- Drought stress
- Confirming sign
- Soil dry 5+ cm deep; leaf tips brown and crisp, not soft
- Action
- Water Flower of Stone deeply at the base once weekly in dry spells. Mulch around the root zone to retain moisture.
Sudden wilting on one branch while rest of plant looks healthy
- Likely cause
- Root rot from poor drainage in one spot
- Confirming sign
- Affected branch has dark, mushy roots when gently uncovered
- Action
- Cut back affected branch to healthy wood. Improve drainage in that area before the next growing season.
Flower of Stone FAQ
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Is Flower of Stone easy to grow?
Flower of Stone is relatively undemanding once established, particularly in dry conditions. The most common mistakes are poor drainage and incorrect sun placement.
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How big does Flower of Stone get?
Flower of Stone typically reaches 0.3 m. Final size depends on soil quality and available root space. Allow adequate spacing at planting — most plants reach their full spread within 5–10 years.
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How much sun does Flower of Stone need?
Flower of Stone grows best in partial sun. Planting in the wrong light level is the single most common cause of poor performance. Check the aspect of your site before choosing a position.