New Zealand Burr, Acaena saccaticupula, is an easy-to-grow alpine plant, forming a low mat of blue, fern-like leaves, above which greenish flowers are borne on short stems in summer. These are followed by dark red burrs.
Acaena saccaticupula 'Blue Haze' is a particularly striking variety. It has very finely cut leaves in almost pewter, which have a mauve hue towards the pink-red stems. It's ideal for growing in rock gardens, containers and at the front of borders. It's very tolerant of poor soil and works well when planted with spring-flowering bulbs. For best results grow Acaena saccaticupula 'Blue Haze' in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. Plants are evergreen in mild regions.
Acaena species can spread to the wild through seed and the dumping of garden material, where they pose a threat to native plants. They're easily spread by seed via the hooked bur and can be invasive. While Acaena species are not on the Government's list of invasive plants for England and Wales, they are considered invasive non-native plants in Northern Ireland, where it is an offense to plant or cause them to grow in the wild. In Scotland, it is an offense to plant any non-native plants in the wild.
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Acaena ‘Blue haze’ and wildlife
Acaena ‘Blue haze’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
