Acaena inermis ‘Purpurea’ (NZ Biddy-biddy / Purple Acaena) is a low-growing, spreading New Zealand native groundcover, valued for its purple foliage and creeping habit. It’s perfect for rock gardens, borders, and low-maintenance landscapes.
 
Description
Prostrate, mat-forming evergreen shrub
Soft, purple-tinged leaves that form dense mats
Produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by burr-like seed heads
Typically grows 5–15 cm high and spreads widely
Hardy, long-lived, and low-maintenance
 
Growing Conditions
Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Prefers well-drained soil
Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established
Hardy to frost and coastal exposure
Very low maintenance; occasional trimming keeps tidy
 
Uses in Landscaping
Ideal for groundcover, rockeries, and border planting
Excellent for mass planting and low-maintenance gardens
Adds color, texture, and contrast to landscapes
Suitable for residential gardens, parks, and naturalistic plantings
Works well in underplanting and erosion control