Scleranthus biflorus, commonly known as Canberra Grass or Cushion Bush, is one of those wonderful Australian natives that proves you don’t need flowers to make an impact in the garden. It forms these incredibly tight, bright green mounds that look almost too perfect to be natural — like little cushions of moss sitting amongst the landscape.

I love using it as a groundcover, particularly where you can plant a few together and allow those rounded forms to gently merge. It looks fantastic between rocks, along the edge of a path or planted amongst stepping stones, where its soft texture contrasts beautifully against hard surfaces. It only stays low, so it’s also perfect for bringing interest to the front of a garden bed without hiding anything behind it.

It’s equally good in a pot, and sometimes I think you appreciate its shape even more that way. Plant one into a simple pot and let that beautiful green mound become the feature — it almost looks like a living sculpture. As it grows, it can gently spill over the edge, softening the pot and creating a really lovely effect.

Scleranthus biflorus naturally grows in cool, often alpine and coastal environments, so the trick in a Sydney garden is keeping it from getting too hot and dry. Give it morning sun or bright filtered light with some protection from the hottest afternoon sun. It likes consistent moisture but, importantly, still needs excellent drainage — particularly if you’re growing it in a pot.

I’d improve the soil with compost before planting and add a good layer of mulch around it to help keep the roots cool. In pots, use a quality free-draining native potting mix and keep an eye on watering during hot weather, as those small mounds can dry out surprisingly quickly.

For me, Scleranthus biflorus is all about shape and texture. Whether you use it as a soft green groundcover or give it centre stage in a beautiful pot, those perfectly rounded cushions add something completely different to the garden. Happy gardening. 🌿