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perennial

Silver Sheep's Burr

Acaena argentea

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Silver Sheep's Burr (Acaena argentea) at Lakeshore Garden Centres

Silver Sheep's Burr

Silver Sheep's Burr

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Silver Sheep's Burr (Acaena argentea) at Lakeshore Garden Centres

Silver Sheep's Burr foliage

Silver Sheep's Burr foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  12 inches

Flower Height:  18 inches

Spread:  12 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  8b

Description:

This is a lovely ornamental plant that is a great accent for shaded borders and containers; likes moisture but will tolerate short dry periods; perfect for adding interest to these areas

Ornamental Features

Silver Sheep's Burr features solitary balls of red pincushion flowers held atop the stems in mid summer. Its serrated pointy leaves emerge green in spring, turning dark green in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Silver Sheep's Burr is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and may require the occasional pruning to look its best. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Silver Sheep's Burr is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Silver Sheep's Burr will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 18 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

Silver Sheep's Burr is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Edging  Garden  Container 
Applications
Flowers 
Ornamental Features