A humble Australian native plant is causing quite a stir online, with gardeners buzzing about its potential to revolutionise landscaping. The plant in question? Scleranthus biflorus, affectionately known as ‘Lime Lava’.
Also known as “Two flowered Knawel”, this unassuming ground cover has captured the attention of green thumbs across the country, thanks to a viral TikTok video shared by a well-known plant nursery.
The video, which has garnered thousands of views and comments, showcases the plant’s unique characteristics and versatility, leaving many viewers eager to incorporate this botanical wonder into their own gardens.
From Snowy Peaks to Suburban Gardens
Scleranthus biflorus is no ordinary plant. Native to Australia, it thrives in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.
“It grows above the snow line, say, up on, say, on top of Mount Buller,” Chris from Hello Hello Plants explains in the video. “You’ll find it in cracks in the rocks where the water runs down between the cracks, in full hot sun.”
This adaptability is what makes Lime Lava so intriguing to gardeners. It can withstand being buried under snow in winter, yet flourish in the scorching summer sun. This resilience has many wondering if it could be the answer to their landscaping woes.
One commenter, clearly impressed by the plant’s hardiness, remarked, “I’ve tried Canberra grass before and it didn’t look like that 😂😂,” suggesting that Lime Lava might outperform other popular ground covers.
A Moss Impostor?
One of the most captivating aspects of Scleranthus biflorus is its appearance. At first glance, it’s easy to mistake it for moss. However, as the nursery owner points out, “It looks like a moss, but it’s not a moss because it doesn’t shrivel in the sun.”
This moss-like appearance, combined with its sun-loving nature, has sparked the imagination of garden enthusiasts. Many are now considering it as an alternative to traditional lawns or as a unique addition to their garden designs.
“omg can we replace our lawns with these?!” exclaimed one excited viewer, capturing the sentiment of many who watched the video. However, another user was quick to point out a potential drawback: “The one down side is that its NOT tolerant of being walked on.”
Versatility in Design
The plant’s versatility extends beyond its resilience. According to the video, Lime Lava has found its way into various garden styles, including Japanese-inspired landscapes. “When I’m doing Japanese garden designs, and I’ve got plenty of sun, I often use these as a sort of a dramatic kind of fill-in,” the nursery owner shares.
This adaptability to different garden styles has led to an outpouring of interest from viewers. One commenter suggested, “it’s would be beautiful in patches with miniclover as lawn 😂 get some rocks and it’s the most zen space 🥰,” highlighting the creative possibilities Lime Lava offers.
The Green Debate
However, as with any viral gardening trend, opinions are divided. Some viewers expressed concerns about the plant’s care requirements and suitability for different climates. “What about Queensland sun?” one user queried, while another pointed out, “Unfortunately not, they’re not soft like moss and are quite prickly feeling.”
These concerns highlight the importance of researching any new plant before introducing it to your garden. As one commenter wisely advised, “I’d speak to your local nursery.”
The debate also touched on environmental considerations. One eco-conscious viewer suggested, “better to use whats native to your area,” prompting a discussion about the importance of supporting local ecosystems through gardening choices.
Climate Considerations
The video’s popularity has sparked discussions about Scleranthus biflorus’s suitability for various climates across the country. One user shared their experience: “Planted some recently & then got 40 degree days with it in almost full sunlight all day – they were fine but just need regular watering.”
This insight into the plant’s water requirements led to further questions about its drought tolerance. “OK, but what type of soil & watering is needed. my yard is composed of horrible clay & rain is scarce,” asked one concerned viewer.
In response, another user speculated, “I’d say since it lives under the snow, it will need watered daily in spring/summer/autumn.” This exchange underscores the importance of understanding a plant’s specific needs before committing to it as a landscaping solution.
The Identification Game
Interestingly, the video initially sparked a bit of confusion as the plant’s name wasn’t explicitly mentioned. This led to a flurry of comments asking for identification, with viewers eager to learn more about this intriguing ground cover.
“What are they called?” and “The name would be helpful 😳” were common refrains in the comment section. Fortunately, knowledgeable viewers came to the rescue, with one helpfully sharing, “For anyone asking I googled Australian plant that looks like Moss the plants name is Scleranthus biflorus.”
A Blast from the Past
For some viewers, the video stirred up nostalgic feelings. Chris’ distinctive “hello hello” greeting at the start of the video triggered memories for long-time followers. “I haven’t heard your “hello hello” in YEARS. What a throwback! 🪴” one commenter reminisced, while another chimed in, “The soundtrack of my childhood 🥹.”
Looking to the Future
Despite the debates, the excitement surrounding Scleranthus biflorus is palpable. Its unique characteristics and potential for sustainable landscaping have captured the imagination of gardeners across the country.
As we continue to seek out environmentally friendly and low-maintenance gardening solutions, plants like Lime Lava may well play a crucial role in shaping the future of our green spaces.
Whether it’s revolutionising lawns, adding a touch of ‘mossy magic’ to garden designs, or simply providing a talking point for plant enthusiasts, one thing is clear: this unassuming Australian native has certainly made its mark in the gardening world.
Based in sunny Brisbane, Linda has a keen interest in ornamental plants. She firmly believes that gardens are as much about aesthetics as they are about functionality.
Despite being a life-long gardener, she still enjoys learning about new plants and gardening techniques and sharing her discoveries with the Ultimate Backyard community.
When she's not immersed in her garden, Linda loves reading and walking.
