How to Plant Mimosa Pudica

Mimosa pudica is often referred to as the "sensitive plant." A native of Brazil, it grows to heights of 1 to 5 feet with a 36-inch spread. Showy, globe-shaped pink, rose or lavender flowers bloom in summer and complement green leaves that fold when touched. Within the U.S., the Mimosa pudica plant will only grow as a perennial in zone 11. Outside of this hardiness zone, the sensitive plant will only grow as an annual in the garden.

Pitchfork
Soil test kit
Lime or peat moss
Garden shovel
Soaker hose
Bark mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the soil for spring planting as soon as the soil is workable. The location should contain well-drained soil, and be in full to partial sun. Break up large chunks of earth with a pitchfork, testing the pH of the soil afterward using a soil testing kit.
- 2
  Add an amendment to the soil if necessary. Mimosa pudica favors neutral soil with a pH of 7. If the soil is below 7, add lime. If it is above 7, add peat moss. Add either amendment according to label instructions.
- 3
  Dig a hole for the Mimosa pudica using a garden shovel. Dig the hole as deep as the root ball is tall. The width of the hole should measure twice that of the root ball.
- 4
  Tip the Mimosa pudica on its side and slide the root ball out of the nursery pot. Leave the roots and all attached dirt intact and set it in the center of the planting hole. Backfill the hole and pat the soil around the main stem to release trapped air.
- 5
  Wrap a soaker hose around the planting area and saturate the soil to a 1-inch depth. Run the soaker at least once a week, providing the plant with at least 1 inch of water per week. A 3-inch layer of bark mulch spread around the Mimosa pudica will improve water retention and suppress any weeds that may try to compete with the plant for water.

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