Mimosa pudica

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sensitive plant

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sensitive plant RHS 1999

Other common names

action plant, humble plant, live and die, sensible plant, shame plant, touch-me-not

Conservatory Greenhouse Annual Biennial
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A spiny annual or short-lived evergreen perennial of low, spreading habit, with divided leaves that are sensitive to touch, and fluffy pale pink or pale purple flowerheads in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Mimosa can be annuals, evergreen perennials, shrubs or trees with spiny stems bearing 2-pinnate leaves and spherical heads of tiny flowers with prominent stamens
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Brazil

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a heated glasshouse where temperatures fall no lower than 13°C (55°F) in winter. Use a peat-free, loam-based compost in containers or in the glasshouse border. In the growing season, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. In winter, less water is required. A position in full light, but shaded from hot sun is ideal

Propagation

The best method is to propagate by seed at 18-24°C (64-75°F) in spring. Soak the seed overnight before sowing. Can also be propagated by taking softwood cuttings with bottom heat in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite can be a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free