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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Acaena 'Purple Carpet'

New Zealand bur 'Kupferteppich'

A vigourous, mat-forming, evergreen perennial. It's pinnate, bronze-green leaves are divided into 9-15 rounded leaflets. Reddish-brown, spherical flowers in June and July are followed by bright red burrs which last until autumn

Synonyms
Acaena 'Purple Carpet'
Acaena microphylla Copper Carpet
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Bronze Green
Summer Red Brown Bronze Green
Autumn Bronze Green
Winter Bronze Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs) - Burrs can irritate skin
Genus

Acaena can be evergreen perennials or subshrubs with pinnate leaves with dentate leaflets. Tiny flowers are carried in a dense rounded head or spike, followed by attractive burr-like fruiting heads

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

May be a nuisance plant. Tolerates trampling/foot traffic so suitable for planting between paving stones. Grow in well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring. Seeds can be sown in an open cold frame or greenhouse in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Stems root freely-pull them out to restrict spread.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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