Troubleshooting
Scarlet Bidi-Bidi problems — and how to fix them
Scarlet Bidi-Bidi (Acaena microphylla) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crown rot in poorly drained soil
The most common failure: waterlogging in winter causes the crown to rot and stems to die back. Plant exclusively in sharply drained, gritty soil; raise beds if necessary. No recovery once crown rot is established.
Burrs tangling in pet fur and clothing
The spiny burr heads are extremely effective at attaching to fur, wool, and clothing and can cause skin punctures. Locate plants away from lawns and play areas frequented by dogs, or cut off burr heads before they mature.
Aggressive spread into surrounding plants
Can outcompete smaller alpines and perennials if not monitored. Trim back wandering stems with shears in spring and autumn to keep the mat within bounds.
Prevent scarlet bidi-bidi problems before they start
Most scarlet bidi-bidi issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Scarlet Bidi-Bidi problems — FAQ
Why is my scarlet bidi-bidi crown rot in poorly drained soil?
The most common failure: waterlogging in winter causes the crown to rot and stems to die back. Plant exclusively in sharply drained, gritty soil; raise beds if necessary. No recovery once crown rot is established.
Why is my scarlet bidi-bidi burrs tangling in pet fur and clothing?
The spiny burr heads are extremely effective at attaching to fur, wool, and clothing and can cause skin punctures. Locate plants away from lawns and play areas frequented by dogs, or cut off burr heads before they mature.
Why is my scarlet bidi-bidi aggressive spread into surrounding plants?
Can outcompete smaller alpines and perennials if not monitored. Trim back wandering stems with shears in spring and autumn to keep the mat within bounds.