Acaena microphylla
New Zealand bur
An evergreen perennial with prostrate rooting stems and small, pinnate leaves tinged bronze when young. Globular whitish flowerheads, on short stems, are followed by attractive reddish burrs 2.5cm in width
Other common names
New Zealand burrrosy-spined New Zealand bur
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Red | ||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
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
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Gravel garden
- Ground cover
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Pull out rooted stems to restrict its spread
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
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