How to Grow New Zealand Bur
Wikimedia Commons
New Zealand Bur
Acaena novae-zelandiae
ground coverA low-growing, mat-forming perennial native to New Zealand with delicate, fern-like foliage and distinctive spiky red-brown seed heads that resemble small burrs. This hardy groundcover spreads slowly via runners and is valued for its ornamental foliage, vibrant seedpods, and ability to stabilize slopes. It thrives in poor to moderate soil and requires minimal maintenance once established.
When should you plant New Zealand Bur in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example New Zealand Bur timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant New Zealand Bur
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest New Zealand Bur
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact New Zealand Bur dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9; prefers cooler climates and may struggle in hot, humid regions
Sign up free to see if New Zealand Bur grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my New Zealand Bur timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants develop fine, ferny foliage close to soil. Growth is slow and compact.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from harsh winds. Mulch lightly with grit to improve drainage and reduce watering needs.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsFoliage expands and spreads via horizontal runners. Plants develop their characteristic finely divided, pinnate leaves with a blue-green to gray-green cast.
Minimize fertilization; too much nitrogen causes lush, weak growth. Water during dry spells. Remove any dead foliage.
Runner Development & Spreading
3-4 monthsPlant produces stolons (runners) that root at nodes, gradually expanding outward. Foliage becomes denser and more compact.
Guide runners where desired or remove to contain growth. Weed surrounding area to reduce competition. Light fertilization with balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer is optional.
Flowering & Seed Formation
2-3 months (June-August, depending on region)Tiny, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers appear in summer clusters, quickly developing into distinctive spiky, burr-like seed heads that turn red-brown.
Do not deadhead if seed display is desired; the seedpods are a key ornamental feature. Ensure adequate sun for vibrant pod color. Allow self-seeding in controlled areas.
Dormancy & Winter Rest
3-4 monthsFoliage may develop deeper color tones in cool weather. Growth slows or stops. Dried seed heads persist and add winter interest.
Reduce watering. Do not fertilize. Avoid excessive foot traffic on dormant plants. Remove burrs if they become a nuisance (they cling to clothing and animal fur).
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
and
This is not a pest problem but a cultural characteristic. Remove seedpods before they mature if burrs are undesirable. Consider planting in contained areas away from high-traffic zones.
-
Increase humidity with occasional overhead watering. Prune affected foliage. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if populations are severe. Rarely requires treatment in most climates.
-
Improve drainage immediately by amending soil with sand and gravel. Reduce watering frequency. Remove and replace severely affected plants. Ensure pots have drainage holes.
Uses
Groundcover and Border Edging
OrnamentalAcaena novae-zelandiae creates attractive low-growing carpets with fine, feathery foliage ideal for edging paths, borders, and rock gardens. Its slow, controlled spread makes it suitable for alpine troughs, scree gardens, and between paving stones. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
OrnamentalThe distinctive spiky, rust-red seed heads are highly valued in floristry and dried flower crafts. They add texture and visual interest to arrangements for 6-12 months or longer when dried. [source]
Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization
EcologicalThe creeping habit and root system make Acaena useful for stabilizing banks and controlling erosion on slopes. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance. [source]
Alpine Garden Habitat
WildlifeAs a native New Zealand alpine plant, Acaena supports insects and provides shelter in rock gardens and alpine plant communities. Its seed burrs are dispersed by animals, contributing to ecosystem function. [source]
Traditional Maori Edible Plant
CulinaryIn its native New Zealand, Acaena novae-zelandiae has been used traditionally as a minor food source and in medicinal preparations by Maori peoples, though it is not commonly consumed in modern cuisine. [source]
Harvest Tips
Acaena is grown for ornamental foliage and decorative seed heads rather than harvest in the traditional sense. Cut sprigs of foliage or dried seed heads in late summer to early autumn for floral arrangements. Allow seedpods to mature on the plant for maximum ornamental impact (typically July through September in the Northern Hemisphere). Collect seed for propagation by removing mature burrs and storing in cool, dry conditions; viable seed can be sown in spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The spiky seed burrs of Acaena novae-zelandiae are specifically adapted to cling to animal fur and clothing, allowing the plant to spread its seeds across great distances—a strategy called 'epizoochory.'
- 🌱 In its native New Zealand habitat, the plant is called 'Bidibidi' or 'Piripiri,' reflecting the sound and sensation of the burrs attaching to fabric and skin.
- 🌱 Despite its slow growth rate, Acaena is extremely long-lived and can persist as a groundcover for decades with minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscape design.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized New Zealand Bur planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start New Zealand Bur seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my New Zealand Bur timeline →