The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Purple sheep’s burr

Acaena inermis 'Purpurea'

ah-SEE-nah ih-NER-mis

This New Zealand native subshrub has 3-inch-wide scalloped leaves and little purple-brown to pale olive leaflets. Its rhizomatous roots spread in a mat to support this plant’s wonderful ground-cover form. In early summer, 3/4-inch-wide flowers appear on short stems, and brownish green sepals and white anthers contrast with the dark leaves. The rhizomatous roots of this plant spread slowly into a mat, forming a nice ground cover. Prune every five years or so for a neat appearance; little other care is required. -Gerald Gibbens, Regional Picks: Northwest, Fine Gardening issue #120

Noteworthy CharacteristicsScalloped, purple leaves. Low maintenance.

CareProvide full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.

PropagationSeparate rooted stems in early spring or fall, or take cuttings in late spring.

ProblemsPowdery mildew, rust.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.
Buy at Amazon

Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.
Buy at Amazon

Lee Valley Garden Knife

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs.
Buy at Lee Valley
  • Genus : Acaena
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Uses : Ground Covers
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Growth Rate : Slow
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Plant Height : Under 6 inches

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Already a member?

X

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Search our database of 1738 Plants

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Fine Gardening Magazine

Fine Gardening - Issue 223
Gardening: The Original Outdoor Living | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 222
February Does Have a Purpose After All | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 221
Tips for Upcycling Garden Trash into Useful Tools
Fine Gardening – Issue 220
End-of-Season Regrets | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

Taunton Network

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.