Acaena microphylla Dichte Matte

The Acaena microphylla 'Dichte Matte' is an excellent hardy ground cover to adopt without delay in dry and rocky gardens. This perennial forms a dense mat of finely cut green compound leaves, on which small white flowers appear in June-July. In autumn, reddish globular and thorny fruits stand above the bronze-coloured foliage.

The Acaena microphylla develops rapidly but is not invasive because its expansion, which occurs thanks to its elongating branches that root in contact with the soil, is easily controllable. Remove or replant the rooted stems to control their spread.

Native to New Zealand, the small-leaved Burr thrives in well-drained, poor, fresh, rocky, and even chalky soil with a sunny to slightly shaded exposure. 'Dichte Matte' is highly appreciated in rock gardens, as a border plant or as a ground cover at the base of bushes, accompanied by spring bulbs and vibrant-coloured grasses such as Imperata cylindrica Red Baron. It also grows very well in containers or pots. When associated with small sedums, houseleeks, saxifrages, or small grasses, Acaena can also be used on a green roof or wall.