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Acmella oleracea (Pará cress)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.45m
Max height
Max height
0.3m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Acmella oleracea
Other names
Spilanthes oleracea, Peek-a-boo plant, Australian cress, Brazilian cress, Pará cress, Toothache plant, Brede mafane, Phak khraat hua van, Agrião do para, Salad cress, Novacaine plant, Spot plant, Eye ball plant, Brazil cress
Genus
Acmella Acmella
Species
A. oleracea - A. oleracea is a tender perennial usually grown as an annual. It has dark green, ovate leaves and in summer, bears globular flowers on upright stems that gradually change from deep red to yellow, retaining the red colouring at their centres.
Acmella oleracea is: Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Compact
Toxicity
Consumption of leaves can lead to mouth numbness and salivation
Flower
Dark-red, Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Bronze-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Slugs Slugs
General care
Pruning
Remove leaves as needed.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Acmella oleracea (Pará cress) will reach a height of 0.45m and a spread of 0.3m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Edging, Flavouring food and drinks, Garden edging
Cultivation
Grow in moisture-retentive soil in sun or light shade. Grown for its decorative features but also can be used for its leaves, which can be eaten raw, the results of which can be a numbing to the mouth, hence its common name of toothache plant.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Acmella oleracea
Other names
Spilanthes oleracea, Peek-a-boo plant, Australian cress, Brazilian cress, Pará cress, Toothache plant, Brede mafane, Phak khraat hua van, Agrião do para, Salad cress, Novacaine plant, Spot plant, Eye ball plant, Brazil cress
Genus
Acmella Acmella
Species
A. oleracea - A. oleracea is a tender perennial usually grown as an annual. It has dark green, ovate leaves and in summer, bears globular flowers on upright stems that gradually change from deep red to yellow, retaining the red colouring at their centres.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Compact
Toxicity
Consumption of leaves can lead to mouth numbness and salivation
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Colour
Flower
Dark-red, Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Bronze-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Pruning
Remove leaves as needed.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Acmella oleracea (Pará cress) will reach a height of 0.45m and a spread of 0.3m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Edging, Flavouring food and drinks, Garden edging
Cultivation
Grow in moisture-retentive soil in sun or light shade. Grown for its decorative features but also can be used for its leaves, which can be eaten raw, the results of which can be a numbing to the mouth, hence its common name of toothache plant.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
Inspired by the new, exciting Witan Investment Trust PLC Global Growth Garden project at RHS Hyde Hall (opening Spring 2017), this garden seeks to demonstrate the fabulous selection of edible plants… read more
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