Acanthus spinosus
bear's breeches
Acanthus spinosus is a fantastic, architectural plant that’s justifiably popular. It is deciduous, and produces enormous, jagged, deep green glossy leaves up to 90cm (3ft) long in early spring.
In mid-summer, spectacular spikes of white flowers with purple hoods shoot up from the foliage and last for several weeks. It thrives best in dappled shade and although it will take full sun, the leaves may scorch. Plant it as a specimen plant in a mixed border, and give it plenty of room to spread itself out.
In mid-summer, spectacular spikes of white flowers with purple hoods shoot up from the foliage and last for several weeks. It thrives best in dappled shade and although it will take full sun, the leaves may scorch. Plant it as a specimen plant in a mixed border, and give it plenty of room to spread itself out.
How to care for Acanthus spinosus:
Plant Acanthus with a handful of well-rotted garden compost mixed with the excavated soil and firm the conditioned soil around the plant and water in well. It thrives best in dappled shade and although it will take full sun, the leaves may scorch.
Slugs and snails love this plant, so pick them off regularly. Plant it as a specimen plant in a mixed border, and give it plenty of room to spread itself out.
To minimise the risk of powdery mildew taking hold ensure that the plant is watered well during hot, dry spells. To rejuvenate and minimise congestion, lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.
Slugs and snails love this plant, so pick them off regularly. Plant it as a specimen plant in a mixed border, and give it plenty of room to spread itself out.
To minimise the risk of powdery mildew taking hold ensure that the plant is watered well during hot, dry spells. To rejuvenate and minimise congestion, lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
0.9m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
£11.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
3 × 9cm pots
£27.99
£9.33 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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