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
Buy this plant
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
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act (Northern Ireland) as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild IN NORTHERN IRELAND Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
Please see cultivation notes
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.