Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Acaena inermis purpurea

Acaena inermis purpurea, commonly known as Purple Braid or Purple Acaena, is an enchanting groundcover plant that brings a splash of color and texture to your garden. Known for its beautifully dense foliage and striking purple hues, this perennial adds visual interest and provides functional landscaping solutions. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, Acaena inermis purpurea thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for various landscape designs.

Acaena purpurea

5 from 1 customers

Piripiri, Purple Bidibidi, Purple Hakea, Purple Goose Leaf

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, Piripiri, or Purple Hakea, is a hardy, NZ native groundcover. The foliage comprises delicate, fern like leaves which are purple and it grows to just 10 cm tall and will eventually spread to 1 m in diameter. Acaena Purpurea is commonly used in rock gardens, planted between paving stones, or used in borders.

  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Groundcover Plants
  • Height:
    10 cm
  • Spread:
    1.00 m
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock

More species and varieties of Acaena

acaena-blue-haze-3
Most Popular

Acaena Blue Haze

Acaena saccaticupula Blue Haze grows as a mat of steel-blue coloured foliage made up of fern like leaves. Green flowers are produced on short stems...

Acaena microphylla plant with red seed heads.
Most Popular

Acaena microphylla

Acaena microphylla is a ground cover that forms a dense carpet of green-bronze leaves to about 10 cm tall and 1 m wide. The plants bear bright red...

acaena-caesiiglauca-1
Most Popular

Acaena caesiiglauca

Acaena caesiiglauca is an herbaceous perennial that forms a showy mat of lacy, grey-blue foliage. This impressive NZ native grows to just 15 cm tall...

acaena-novae-zelandiae--1
Most Popular

Acaena novae-zelandiae

Acaena novae-zelandiae is an herbaceous perennial which grows to just 10 cm tall but can cover 4-5 metres inside of two years with good growing...

acaena-saccaticupula-2
Most Popular

Acaena saccaticupula

Acaena saccaticupula is a ground-hugging, evergreen, NZ native perennial. The fern like foliage is blue-grey, soft looking, and carried on trailing...

Popular Groundcover Plants

westringia-mundi-
Most Popular

Westringia Mundi

Westringia Mundi is a variety of the commonly known, Coastal Rosemary, and is grown for its lovely foliage and great form. It grows as a spreading...

From$24.59
coprosma-kirkii-variegata--1
Most Popular

Coprosma kirkii Variegata

Coprosma kirkii Variegata is a ground cover plant that features horizontal, slender stems that host leaves that are variegated cream and green. It...

From$20.79
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5
Most Popular

Coprosma Hawera

Coprosma Hawera, commonly known as Sand Coprosma, grows as a tightly tangled mound of small, orange stems bearing small, green leaves. It grows as a...

From$19.30
ajuga-chocolate-chip-2
Most Popular

Ajuga Chocolate Chip

Ajuga Chocolate Chip, commonly known as Bugleweed, Common Bugle, or Carpet Bugle, is grown for its dwarf habit and chocolate coloured foliage. It...

From$17.14
helianthemum-double-pink-
Most Popular

Helianthemum Double Pink

Helianthemum Double Pink, commonly known as the Rock Rose Plant, is a ground covering plant grown for its amazing double, pink flowers. The showy...

From$34.20
Acaena purpurea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Acaena or Groundcover Plants.

Search Acaena purpurea

Growing Conditions

To cultivate Acaena inermis purpurea effectively, ensure you plant it in well-drained soil. This hardy plant flourishes in a range of soil types, provided they are not waterlogged. It tolerates drought once established but appreciates regular watering during prolonged dry spells. When planning your garden, consider planting it alongside other groundcover plants, such as Acaena Blue Haze or Acaena microphylla, to create an attractive and diverse garden space.

Landscape Uses

Acaena inermis purpurea is particularly valued in landscape design for its versatility. It serves as a fantastic groundcover that can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion. This plant grows in a mat-like formation, making it ideal for planting on slopes or in areas that require sturdy coverage. Its low-growing nature means it is also perfect for edging pathways or filling in gaps between taller perennials. Combining Acaena inermis purpurea with other stunning groundcovers, such as Acaena caesiiglauca or Juniperus procumbens Nana, can create a rich tapestry of color and texture in your outdoor space.

Maintenance Tips

Caring for Acaena inermis purpurea is relatively simple, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact shape and encourages denser growth. Additionally, an annual application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can enhance its vibrancy and overall health. Watch out for any weeds or competing plants that may overshadow your Acaena, and promptly remove them to ensure your plant thrives.

This delightful groundcover requires minimal pest management, but keep an eye out for aphids or snails that may occasionally disrupt its growth. By implementing organic pest control methods, you can keep your Acaena inermis purpurea healthy and vibrant.

Companion Plants

To maximize the aesthetic appeal of your garden, consider pairing Acaena inermis purpurea with companion plants that highlight its beautiful purple tones. Plants like Ajuga Pink Beauty and Correa reflexa nummularifolia complement its rich color while providing different heights and textures that enhance your landscape's overall design.

In summary, Acaena inermis purpurea is a superb choice for anyone looking to add a vibrant, low-maintenance groundcover to their garden. With its hardy nature and stunning appearance, it fits beautifully into both formal and informal garden settings.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews