Overview
Acaena inermis is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Acaena, part of the Rosaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Acaena inermis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, ground cover and banks and slopes.
About
Acaena inermis, the spineless acaena, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, endemic to New Zealand and introduced to Great Britain. A mat-forming perennial useful as a ground cover, its cultivar 'Purpurea' is widely available from commercial suppliers. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, ground cover and banks and slopes. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acaena inermis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acaena
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Acaena inermis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Ground cover, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acaena inermis
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Acaena inermis?
Acaena inermis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Acaena inermis need?
Acaena inermis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Acaena inermis hardy in the UK?
Acaena inermis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Acaena inermis?
Seed, Division.
