How to Grow Kupferteppich
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Kupferteppich
Acaena microphylla 'Kupferteppich'
ground coverKupferteppich is a low-growing, mat-forming groundcover cultivar of New Zealand burr with finely divided, feathery foliage that displays striking copper and bronze coloring. The plant produces tiny reddish spikes with decorative, barbed seeds that add ornamental interest. It's a hardy, drought-tolerant plant ideal for rock gardens, borders, and alpine settings.
When should you plant Kupferteppich 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 Kupferteppich timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Kupferteppich
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Kupferteppich
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Kupferteppich dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8, tolerating cold winters and warm summers
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Get my Kupferteppich timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
2-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with minimal foliage; slow initial growth
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Provide bright light. Seed germination is slow (2-4 weeks).
Establishment
4-8 weeksLow rosettes of finely divided leaves develop; copper tones begin to appear
Water moderately during dry periods. Begin reducing watering frequency as plant establishes. Ensure excellent drainage.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsDense mat of feathery, copper-bronze foliage expands outward, filling the planting area
Minimal care needed. Water only during extreme drought. Can trim edges if spreading beyond desired area.
Flowering & Fruiting
6-8 weeks (summer)Tiny reddish spikes appear above the foliage; decorative barbed seed heads form
No special care needed. Allow some flowers and seed heads to remain for ornamental interest and self-seeding.
Dormancy
4-6 months (winter)Foliage color deepens in cool weather; growth slows in winter
No watering needed in dormant season (except in severe drought). Plant is fully hardy and requires no protection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
Remove by hand, provide copper barriers, or use organic slug baits. Improve drainage to reduce humid microhabitat.
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Increase humidity slightly, spray with water, or use neem oil if severe.
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur dust or fungicide if necessary.
Uses
Alpine and rock garden edging
Landscape designKupferteppich's low, dense growth and stunning copper-bronze foliage make it ideal for lining rock gardens, alpine troughs, and border edging. The decorative seed heads add season-long visual interest. [source]
Drought-tolerant landscaping
Landscape designThriving in poor, well-draining soils with minimal water once established, Kupferteppich is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, dry slopes, and water-wise garden designs. [source]
Beneficial insect habitat
WildlifeThe small flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while the low mat provides cover for ground-dwelling creatures and insects. [source]
Dried seed head arrangements
CraftThe ornamental, barbed seed heads can be dried and used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower displays, adding texture and rustic appeal. [source]
Container and trough planting
Landscape designKupferteppich is perfectly sized for container gardening, alpine troughs, and hypertufa planters, where its trailing growth habit and seasonal color changes can be fully appreciated. [source]
Harvest Tips
Kupferteppich is an ornamental groundcover, not harvested for food or material. Collect seed heads in late summer if desired for propagation or ornamental use. Trim back in early spring if needed to rejuvenate the mat.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kupferteppich means 'copper carpet' in German, perfectly describing its dense, coppery-bronze foliage appearance.
- 🌱 The distinctive barbed seed heads are designed by nature to cling to animal fur for seed dispersal, but in the garden they simply add ornamental interest without being invasive.
- 🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, Kupferteppich is surprisingly hardy and cold-tolerant, surviving harsh winters and thriving in inhospitable rocky or gravelly soils where other plants struggle.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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