Mimoso.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial groundcover

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Spreads indefinitely, typically 6-12 inches tall

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 7 to 10

Bloom time

Late spring to fall

Care

This plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water it regularly when it's young and establishing, but it becomes quite drought-tolerant once mature. Avoid heavy mulching around the base, as it prefers good air circulation.

Watering

Water consistently when young; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.

Feeding

Generally does not require fertilization; can become leggy if over-fertilized.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape or control spread if needed, usually after flowering.

Repotting

Typically grown from seed or cuttings; established plants are best left in place.

Soil

Tolerates a wide range, including sandy and poor soils.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)

Temperature

-12.2 to 32.2°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

None reported.

Pets

None reported.

Edibility

Not recommended for consumption.

How to identify it

• Low-growing, creeping habit
• Feathery, fern-like leaves
• Sensitive leaves that fold when touched
• Pink, pom-pom shaped flowers
• Seed pods that split open

Height

0.15 to 0.3m

Spread

3 to 6m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

pink, lavender, 2 to 3cm

Common problems

• Root rot — Can occur in poorly draining soil or with overwatering.
• Spider mites — May occur in very dry conditions; look for fine webbing.

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings, division

When to plant

spring, fall

Plant Mimosa strigillosa in sunny areas where its spreading habit can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.

Grows well with

• Echinacea purpurea — Purple coneflowers provide a contrasting flower shape and color, attracting similar pollinators.
• Coreopsis lanceolata — Lanceleaf coreopsis blooms at a similar time, adding bright yellow accents and supporting pollinators.
• Salvia lyrata — Lyreleaf sage is another low-growing native that complements the mimosa's texture and bloom.

Keep away from

• Overly aggressive groundcovers — Can outcompete Mimosa strigillosa for light and space in a garden setting.
• Poorly draining soil — Leads to root rot and can kill the plant.

Similar species

• Mimosa pudica — Shares the characteristic of sensitive leaves that fold when touched, but Mimosa pudica is typically grown as an annual or houseplant and has a more upright habit.

Science

Family

Fabaceae

Genus

Mimosa

Order

Fabales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Southeastern United States, from Florida to Texas.

It colonizes open, disturbed areas and sandy soils, helping to stabilize the ground and providing resources for local wildlife.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

Groundcover, Erosion control, Pollinator garden

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is Mimosa strigillosa invasive?

No, it is not considered invasive and is a beneficial native plant in its natural range.

Can it grow in containers?

While it can grow in containers, it's best suited as a spreading groundcover in the landscape.

How does it spread?

It spreads primarily through its creeping stems and can also self-seed.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Mimosa' comes from the Greek word 'mimos,' meaning 'mime' or 'imitator,' referring to the plants' sensitive leaves that mimic movements. 'Strigillosa' is Latin for 'bristly,' likely referencing the plant's fine hairs.

Good to know

• It's a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it improves soil fertility.
• This plant is native to sandy coastal areas and dunes.
• Its common name 'Sunshine Mimosa' comes from its cheerful flowers and sunny habitat.
• The sensitive leaves are a defense mechanism against herbivores.