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    • Photo of Acaena inermis 'Purpurea' foliage by Far Out Flora

    Photo by Far Out Flora

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Acaena inermis 'Purpurea'

    Also Known As

    • Bidi-bidi
    • New Zealand Purple Burr

    Plant type

    perennial, groundcover

    size

    • H: 2"-4"
    • W: 24"-60"

    planting zones

    • 5a-10b

    More Options

    Acaena inermis 'Purpurea' plant details

    Acaena inermis 'Purpurea' is a moderate-growing broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial groundcover with purple foliage. In summer chocolate flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Acaena inermis 'Purpurea'

    Plant type: perennial groundcover
    Plant family: rosaceae
    Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen purple
    Mature size: 24 IN - 60 IN - wide, 2 IN - 4 IN - tall
    Flowers: chocolate blooms in summer
    Uses: serrated leaves, spreading, textural

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Acaena inermis 'Purpurea'

    USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
    Watering frequency: regular - low
    Resistant to: deer and rabbit
    Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Another New Zealander with a ground covering disposition, 2-4" tall and spreading creating a tight weave of smoky purple in a nappy texture…superb cover between stepping stones…Prefers full sun, takes a spot of shade – Well drained soils are best- Evergreen, moderate growth rate. This has been deer resistant for us and is drought tolerant once established. Use it wherever you might consider thyme…but want more texture and color! USDA Zone 8  3" pot

    By: Secret Garden Growers

    Acaena inermis ‘Purpurea’, or Purple Goose Leaf, is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial with very ornamental, glossy purple-bronze foliage. Produces barbless, red-brown seedheads. Plant in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Acaena is a great choice for a dense groundcover, planting over bulbs, hanging over rock walls or in an alpine garden. Tolerates foot traffic but you may want to sheer old flowers before burred seedpods develop. Easy to grow!

    By: Little Prince of Oregon

    A seedling strain of this classic New Zealand ground-hugging, moisture-loving beauty with, yes, purple-green leaves, darker purple in the sun. Best in full sun with water. To perhaps 6” tall and spreading moderately. Good in pots. Pet owners beware: the burr-like seeds stick to fur, leg hair, and other unmentionables.

    By: Cistus Nursery

    Small purple leaves creep along at one inch tall to eventually make a carpet. Try pairing this with Libertia 'Gold Finger' or 'Bronze Sword' for a smashing effect.

    By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Gardening facts about Acaena inermis 'Purpurea' plant

    How to Grow Acaena inermis 'Purpurea'

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly sun

    • Water Needs

      • regular - drought tolerant

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained
      • gritty

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • purple

    • Flower Color

      • chocolate

    • Wildlife

      • deer resistant
      • rabbit resistant

    • Flower Season

      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen
      • semi-evergreen

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