Acaena

Acaena purpurea and Acaena microphylla plants – Best In NZ!

Growing NZ natives such as Acaena in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees.
• It helps to preserve New Zealand’s species.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• They are low-maintenance and easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.
• They are drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of soil conditions. Hence, they are a good choice for areas that experience dry summers.
• They are a valuable source of food for wildlife. Acaena plants attract birds, bees, and other beneficial insects.
• They can be used to control erosion and suppress weeds. Acaena plants are a good choice for growing on slopes and in other areas where erosion is a problem.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have a range of bidibid varieties including Acaena purpurea and Acaena microphylla. These are perfect as groundcover plants, and we’ll help you find the right Acaena for your space. Choose from a wide variety of New Zealand-native plants that have been eco-sourced and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Acaena, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Acaena Questions

1. What is Acaena?

Acaena, also known as New Zealand burr, is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae. It is native to New Zealand, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America. The plants are known for their small, spiky burrs, which can be green, brown, or black. Acaena is often used as a groundcover, in borders, or grown in a container.

2. What are the different types of Acaena plants that grow in New Zealand?

There are over 30 different species of Acaena plants that grow in New Zealand and some of the most common include:

• Acaena novae-zelandiae is the most common species grown in New Zealand. It is a low-growing groundcover that produces green burrs.
• Acaena inermis purpurea produces purple foliage and creeps along the ground to form a soft carpet of delicate foliage.
• Acaena anserinifolia is also a low-growing groundcover, and produces brown burrs.
• Acaena microphylla is a smaller groundcover that produces green burrs.
• Acaena inermis is a non-spiky groundcover that produces green burrs.
• Acaena pusilla is a small groundcover that produces black burrs.

3. How do I grow Acaena plants?

To grow Acaena here are a few tips:

1. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant.
3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming it in gently to remove any air pockets.
4. Water the plant well.
5. Mulch around the plant with bark chips or compost to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

4. How do I care for Acaena plants?

Acaena plants are relatively low-maintenance, however, there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and looking their best:

• Water the plants regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
• Fertilise the plants in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Trim the plants to keep them contained and encourage fresh growth.

5. How do I harvest Acaena seeds?

When harvesting Acaena seeds, wait until the seed heads are dry and brown. Then, cut the seed heads off the plant and place them in a paper bag. Shake the bag to remove the seeds and store in a cool, dry place. Seed can last for up to two years.

6. How big is Acaena inermis purpurea?

Acaena inermis purpurea is a low-growing groundcover that typically reaches 10 cm tall and can spread to 60 cm. It has small, purple leaves and produces small flowers in summer. It is a good choice for planting in rock gardens, borders, and other areas where a low-growing groundcover is desired.

Here are some tips for growing Acaena inermis purpurea:

• Plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
• Fertilise the plants in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Trim the plants to contain growth and encourage fresh growth.

7. What is the common name for Acaena inermis purpurea?

The common name for Acaena inermis purpurea is purple bidibidi. It is a native New Zealand groundcover with small, purple leaves and grows to just 10 cm tall.

Other common names for Acaena inermis purpurea include:

• Purple New Zealand burr
• Spineless pirri-pirri
• Purple goose leaf
• Purple goosefoot
• Purple sheep's burr

8. What is the NZ native ground cover purple?

The most likely New Zealand native ground cover plants with purple foliage is Acaena purpurea. It is a low-growing, hardy plant that has attractive fern-like foliage and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It is also suitable for both sun and partial shade.