How to Grow Acaena Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing New Zealand Bur, Bidibid, Purple Goose Leaf, and Greater Burnet

The common names for the fast growing low-growing Hardy perennial Acaena include New Zealand Bur, Bidibid, Purple Goose Leaf, and Greater Burnet.

They typically flowers from July until the first frost.

This plant can tolerate being trod on, and thus makes a great plant to grow inbetween paving stones.

It also makes a fast growing Ground cover, but may need to be controlled.

The Acaena genus belongs to the Rosaceae family, and consists of approximately one-hundred species, most of which are native to the southern hemisphere.

Be sure to check out my Acaena microphylla specific growing guide.

Description of Acaena inermis purpurea and similar species

Acaena species such as Bidibid, New Zealand Bur and Purple sheep's burr have brightly coloured leaves and burs, making it an ideal plant for rockeries.

The very small flowers have no petals and form globes.

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a small evergreen Alpine plant, and in addition to New Zealand it is a native plant in South America and Australia.

This species is considered to be invasive in the united kingdom.

Common Species

Acaena inermis purpurea has alternate pinnate leaves of about 7 cm (2 1/3 inchs); these are usually purple to brown.

Acaena microphylla is low growing with bronze leaves.

How to Grow Acaena

It is best to plant outside, either after the last frost or in the autumn.

It typically takes between one and three months to germinate at a temperature between 10 to 15 degrees celcius (50 to 59°F).

They should be spaced 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 inches) apart and planted to a depth of 1/2 cm (1/4 inch).

They prefer light, but can be grown in full sun or part shade. They prefer a sandy or gritty soil, and can will die if left in standing water.

If starting the plant off inside it should be planted twelve weeks before planting out.

Caring for Acaena

Acaena is not a very difficult plant to grow. It is important not to water it from above to prevent standing water. Supply winter mulch at high Northern latitudes. Cut back by clipping in the spring.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Acaena plants. You may also enjoy the following Rosaceae growing guides:

How to grow Rosa multiflora and Waldsteinia ternata.