Cotula Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Cotula plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

At a Glance: Cotula

Plant Characteristics: Cotula is known for its small, button-like flowers and dense, mat-forming foliage. This genus is ideal for creating ground covers or filling spaces between stepping stones.
Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil and full to partial sun. It's adaptable to various conditions, including poor soils and coastal areas.
General Care: Requires minimal care once established. Tolerates drought well, making it a low-maintenance choice for water-wise gardens.
Tips for New Gardeners: Brass buttons are great for beginners, especially those looking for easy-care ground cover solutions. Regular trimming can help maintain its shape and density.

Buttonweed, Water Buttons, & Pincushion Plant: Cultivation & Garden Use

Cotula have very fragrant orange flowers that bloom in the middle of summer.

The plants can be either half hardy annuals, half hardy perennials or hardy perennials.

Common names for members of the Cotula genus include Pincushion plant, Water Buttons, and Brass buttons.

Cotula coronopifolia
Cotula coronopifolia by arcia Stefani; Creative commons.

Cotula lineariloba
Cotula lineariloba by Brewbooks.

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Cotula Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Buttonweed, Water Buttons, Brass Buttons, Bachelor's Buttons, Common Cotula.
Family: Asteraceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual. Hardy perennial. Half hardy perennial.
Height: 4 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm).
Native: Southern Africa, Americas, Australasia. Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 1 to 10.
Flowers: Late spring and summer.
Flower Details: Yellow, orange. Disciform flowers. Sometimes tubular. Solitary heads.
Foliage: Very variable. Feathery. Blade.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Following last frost. Spacing 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature 50°F (10°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Moist soil. Regular watering. Deadhead. Perennials can be divided in in spring.

How to Grow Cotula Plants

Buttonweed, Water Buttons, and Pincushion plant seeds should be sown after the last frost of spring.

Simply cover the seeds once sown, and grow in a sunny or lightly shaded area of the garden that has mist soil.

If you plan to first grow seedlings indoors then Cotulaa members should be prepared about seven weeks before they are due to be transplanted out after the last frost of spring.

Cotula species usually take two to three weeks to germinate at a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.

They should be spaced about 10 cm (4 inches) apart, and once growing require regular watering.

An easy plant to care for, if you require more plants then perennial varieties can be divided in the spring.

Common Questions

How many members does the Cotula genus have?

The Cotula genus includes around 80 species.

Do members of Cotula make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Cotula plants, particularly Brass Buttons, are great as ground cover, rock gardens, or borders due to their low growth and attractive foliage.

Which Cotula species are most Frequently grown by Gardeners?

Cotula hispida (Brass Buttons) is popular for its feathery, dark green leaves and button-like, yellow flowers.

Are members of the Cotula plant genus fragrant?

While not notably fragrant, Cotula species are valued for their interesting foliage and small, attractive flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Cotula?

Cotula prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil, and can tolerate poor soil conditions and drought.

Is Cotula invasive in the USA?

Currently, Cotula coronopifolia, or Water Buttons, is considered invasive in some parts of the USA due to its rapid spread in wet areas.

How do I remove Cotula plants from my garden?

Remove Cotula by pulling up the plants and ensuring all root fragments are removed to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Cotula genus, part of the Asteraceae family, is native to many regions including Africa, New Zealand, and South America. These annual or perennial plants, often mat-forming, are recognized for their small, feathery leaves and tiny, daisy-like flowers in yellow or white that bloom in summer.

To grow Cotula, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. Regular watering is necessary, but they are quite drought-tolerant once established. Due to their creeping habit, they are often used as ground cover, in rock gardens, or between stepping stones.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cotula plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Dymondia margaretae and Anaphalis plants.

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