Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Acaena inermis purpurea

Acaena inermis purpurea, commonly known as Purple Braid or Purple Acaena, is an enchanting groundcover plant that brings a splash of color and texture to your garden. Known for its beautifully dense foliage and striking purple hues, this perennial adds visual interest and provides functional landscaping solutions. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, Acaena inermis purpurea thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for various landscape designs.

Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

5 from 2 customers

Piripiri, Purple Bidibidi, Purple Hakea, Purple Goose Leaf

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping growth habit. This evergreen perennial forms dense mats that provide year round colour and weed suppression. It is perfect for adding texture and contrast to pathways, borders, and eco-friendly landscapes.

Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Groundcover Plants
  • Height:
    10 cm
  • Spread:
    1.00 m
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Most Popular

Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

From$15.77
Acaena caesiiglauca fine blue-green foliage.
Most Popular

Acaena caesiiglauca (Bidibidi)

Acaena caesiiglauca is a hardy NZ native groundcover admired for its fine, silver blue foliage and ability to quickly spread across the ground. This...

Acaena 'Blue Haze' fine blue foliage.
Most Popular

Acaena 'Blue Haze' (Piripiri)

Acaena 'Blue Haze' is a striking NZ native groundcover admired for its silver blue foliage and attractive burr like seed heads. This evergreen...

Acaena microphylla plant with red seed heads.
Most Popular

Acaena microphylla

Acaena microphylla, commonly known as Scarlet Piripiri, is a vibrant NZ native groundcover admired for its bronze green foliage and striking scarlet...

Acaena glauca ground cover.
Most Popular

Acaena glauca

Acaena glauca, commonly known as Blue Bidibidi, is a hardy NZ native groundcover valued for its blue toned foliage and small burr like seed heads...

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.
Most Popular

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma Black Cloud is a compact, evergreen New Zealand native shrub renowned for its dense, dark brown to black foliage. Growing up to 70 cm tall...

From$17.09
Ajuga 'Pink Elf' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery featuring with elegant spikes carrying pink flowers.
Most Popular

Ajuga 'Pink Elf'

Ajuga 'Pink Elf' is a charming ground cover that brings soft pink flower spikes and compact, vibrant foliage to NZ gardens. This petite and hardy...

From$20.46
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Most Popular

Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$20.46
leptospermum-pink-cascade--1
Most Popular

Leptospermum Pink Cascade

Leptospermum Pink Cascade is a low-growing, spreading New Zealand native shrub renowned for its vibrant pink flowers and arching growth habit. This...

From$26.33
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Most Popular

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant', commonly known as the Bugleweed plant, forms a mat of glossy, burgundy leaves as it grows to 25 cm tall and 80 cm wide. Stems...

From$17.82
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Acaena or Groundcover Plants.

Search Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Growing Conditions

To cultivate Acaena inermis purpurea effectively, ensure you plant it in well-drained soil. This hardy plant flourishes in a range of soil types, provided they are not waterlogged. It tolerates drought once established but appreciates regular watering during prolonged dry spells. When planning your garden, consider planting it alongside other groundcover plants, such as Acaena Blue Haze or Acaena microphylla, to create an attractive and diverse garden space.

Landscape Uses

Acaena inermis purpurea is particularly valued in landscape design for its versatility. It serves as a fantastic groundcover that can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion. This plant grows in a mat-like formation, making it ideal for planting on slopes or in areas that require sturdy coverage. Its low-growing nature means it is also perfect for edging pathways or filling in gaps between taller perennials. Combining Acaena inermis purpurea with other stunning groundcovers, such as Acaena caesiiglauca or Juniperus procumbens Nana, can create a rich tapestry of color and texture in your outdoor space.

Maintenance Tips

Caring for Acaena inermis purpurea is relatively simple, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact shape and encourages denser growth. Additionally, an annual application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can enhance its vibrancy and overall health. Watch out for any weeds or competing plants that may overshadow your Acaena, and promptly remove them to ensure your plant thrives.

This delightful groundcover requires minimal pest management, but keep an eye out for aphids or snails that may occasionally disrupt its growth. By implementing organic pest control methods, you can keep your Acaena inermis purpurea healthy and vibrant.

Companion Plants

To maximize the aesthetic appeal of your garden, consider pairing Acaena inermis purpurea with companion plants that highlight its beautiful purple tones. Plants like Ajuga Pink Beauty and Correa reflexa nummularifolia complement its rich color while providing different heights and textures that enhance your landscape's overall design.

In summary, Acaena inermis purpurea is a superb choice for anyone looking to add a vibrant, low-maintenance groundcover to their garden. With its hardy nature and stunning appearance, it fits beautifully into both formal and informal garden settings.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

514 Google reviews