The Moroccan Mound Plant offers a versatile and attractive option for various garden designs. This low-growing, resilient plant forms a dense, carpet-like groundcover, making it a popular choice for a cohesive and appealing garden aesthetic.
Understanding the Moroccan Mound Plant
The plant commonly known as Moroccan Mound is botanically Herniaria glabra, also called Rupturewort or Green Carpet. While Euphorbia resinifera is sometimes referred to as Moroccan Mound, Herniaria glabra is the species typically used for its low-growing, mat-forming characteristics in gardens.
Herniaria glabra is a perennial that forms a dense, evergreen mat, reaching 1 to 3 inches high and spreading up to 2 feet wide. Its tiny, vibrant green leaves often turn bronze or reddish in cooler winter temperatures. This plant is native to Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa, thriving in dry, sandy, and rocky environments.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
The Moroccan Mound Plant performs best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates where afternoon shade prevents scorching. Full shade will result in poor growth and a less dense mat.
Soil
This plant adapts to a wide range of soil types but requires excellent drainage to prevent root issues. It thrives in well-drained loam, sand, or rocky conditions and tolerates poor soils. An ideal soil pH for Herniaria glabra ranges from 5.5 to 7.0, preferring slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
Water
Herniaria glabra is drought-tolerant once established, thanks to its deep taproot system. While it needs consistent moisture during establishment, mature plants only require watering during extended dry periods. Overwatering or soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Temperature
The Moroccan Mound Plant exhibits considerable cold hardiness, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, and sometimes 4 to 10. It is resilient to winter conditions, often retaining green foliage even under snow and ice. Extreme heat, especially prolonged periods above 100°F with insufficient moisture, can cause stress.
Ongoing Maintenance
The Moroccan Mound Plant requires minimal ongoing maintenance once established. Pruning is generally not necessary, but brown, dead, or straggly stems can be sheared in early spring to refresh its appearance and promote new growth. This light trimming helps maintain its shape and density.
Fertilizing is rarely needed for Herniaria glabra, as it performs well even in poor soils. If desired, apply a light application of a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) during planting or in early spring.
Propagation Methods
Propagating the Moroccan Mound Plant can be achieved through seeds or division. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring after the last frost, or indoors for an earlier start. Surface sowing is recommended; lightly press seeds into the soil and keep consistently moist until sprouting, which typically occurs within 7 to 28 days.
Division is an effective method, ideally performed in spring to rejuvenate older plantings or create new ones. To divide, lift a section of the plant and separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring each piece has foliage and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared soil.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The Moroccan Mound Plant is robust and experiences few problems when its basic care requirements are met. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or poorly draining soil, which may lead to root rot. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent this. Insufficient light can also cause leaves to yellow and result in sparse growth.
While typically pest and disease-free, poor growth often stems from environmental factors. If growth is stunted or uneven, assess light exposure and ensure proper soil drainage. Nutrient deficiencies are less common, but a general-purpose fertilizer can be applied if suspected.
Landscaping Applications
The low-growing, mat-forming habit of the Moroccan Mound Plant makes it an excellent choice for various landscaping uses. It serves as an effective groundcover, creating a dense green carpet that tolerates moderate to high foot traffic. This makes it suitable for planting between stepping stones or pavers.
It is also widely used as a lawn alternative, especially where a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant option is desired. Its ability to thrive in poor soils makes it a good candidate for rock gardens, where it can spill over rocks and fill crevices. It can also be planted on slopes for erosion control or used as an edging plant in garden beds and containers.