About

Acaena inermis 'Purpurea' is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that develops a dense mat of bronze-purple leaves. In the summer, it produces small white flowers that resemble pincushions, which are succeeded by red-brown, burr-like fruits.

About the genus

Acaena comprises evergreen perennials or subshrubs characterized by pinnate foliage featuring serrated leaflets. The small flowers are borne in compact, rounded clusters or spikes, which subsequently give rise to distinctive burr-like fruiting structures.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, 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

Plant type

Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Matforming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

Up to 10 cm

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Toxicity

Pets (dogs) - Burrs can irritate skin

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Useful ground cover between paving stones as it tolerates being trodden on but in borders its creeping habit means it can spread. This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order (1985), as amended, as an invasive non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold or being grown in gardens in Northern Ireland, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners in Northern Ireland to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 9. For suggested alternative plants see the Plantlife/RHS guide, Gardening without harmful invasive plants

Pruning

Pull out rooted stems to restrict its spread

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free