Acanthus spinosus
bear's breeches
Acanthus spinosus is a fantastic, architectural plant that’s justifiably popular. It is deciduous, and produces enormous, jagged, deep...
9cm pot
£11.99
available to order from summer
3 × 9cm pots
£27.99
£9.33 each
available to order from summer
1
Plant description
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 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. Slugs and snails love this plant, so pick them off regularly.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
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.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
