This perennial has unequaled , jagged foliage that adds sheer grain to any garden .
James Carriere
unremarkably yell bear ’s breeches , acanthus is develop for its calendered , big leaf that can be jagged or barbellate . It tolerate tall spikes of striking flowers with white petals and prickly purple bracts in late spring into early summer . Fun fact : The acanthus leaf theme was incorporate in the design of the poll onCorinthian columns ; this architectural detail can still be see adorning pillars today .
Credit:James Carriere
Where to Plant Acanthus
take a permanent location because acanthus does not like to be go . Due to its tall size of it — when in flush , it can reach 6 foot — it is well planted in the back of the border where it is not towering over other plants and casting shade on them . Its rhizomes can spread sharply ; to prevent it from take over an area , plant it in a location with root roadblock , such as near a patio , consortium , or walkway , or bury a large container in the ground to limit its cattle farm . As a plant native to the Mediterranean and Africa , acanthus loves the sun and should be planted where it gets full sun or lineal sun for at least part of the daytime .
Acanthus does not care pixilated feet , so plant it in a location with well - draining soil that has aneutral pH(between 6.5 and 7.5 ) .
How and When to Plant Acanthus
Acanthus can be planted in the spring or fall .
Dig a pickle at least twice the size of it of the container the plant come in ( or the root ball ) and at the same deepness so that the flora sits at its original growing grade . Refill the hole and tamp down the soil to withdraw air sac . water system the works welland continue to water on a regular basis during its first season of increase . Leave at least 2 feet between specimen .
Acanthus Care Tips
Acanthus is comparatively easy to worry for as long as it is planted in the right-hand kind of soil . In aboriginal climate , it needs no attention .
Light
Give acanthusfull sun to guarantee the best - looking foliageand flowers and to prevent foliar diseases likepowdery mould . However , this perennial can struggle in the hot good afternoon sun in warmer climates and benefit from planting in part tint . While you may give a few flowers in part Lord’s Day , the industrial plant will do much good . Part shade is four to six hours of verbatim sunlight per daytime — mostly break of the day sunlight .
Soil and Water
Acanthus thrive in rich , prolific soil with sight of organic affair . The soil needs to beevenly moist and well - drain . It does not tolerate wet roots , so check that to embed it aside from areas with standing water . guarantee your flora ’s felicity byamending the grunge with compostbefore planting .
Temperature and Humidity
Acanthus is patient of of heat and humidity , but cold hardiness varies from specie to metal money . The popular vulgar bear ’s breeches(Acanthus mollis)requires a mild to warm winter climate , whereas prickly bear ’s breeches(Acanthus spinosus)cansurvive winter chillas blue asUSDA Zone5 .
Fertilizer
When found in fertile soil with plenty of organic matter , the plant postulate only an yearly eating of a complete boring - release fertilizer in the springtime . For the amount to use , follow the Cartesian product label instruction .
Pruning
Cutting the stems back after flowering encourages new foliage growing . Bear ’s falling out should be contract back in red-hot climates after flowering to encourage new bloom . The full plant can be geld back to ground level in the fall or in the spring to make room for new growth . If any branches are frost - covered , they can be trimmed back and will uprise back again when the weather warm up .
Potting and Repotting Acanthus
Acanthus can begrown in a pot . Because its roots tend to circulate sharply , planting it in a muckle might be the better option to keep it contained . Also , make certain the pot has expectant drain holes and use well - draining potting soil .
To plant acanthus in a skunk :
Pests and Problems
Acanthus is not inconvenience oneself by serious cuss or diseases if you ignore slugs or snails that occasionally feast on them , specially on young plant . You might also find somepowdery mildewon the leaf .
The biggest problem with acanthus is its aggressive spreading in areas with mild wintertime . Acanthus spreads by sending up Modern shoots from its creeping roots . Because of its large size , acanthus can well outgrow diminished , more frail works and be difficult to control .
How to Propagate Acanthus
Acanthus is best propagate by division , and it ’s a two - step process . ( think back , acanthus does n’t care to be move due to its prospicient taproot ) . Here ’s how to do it : In the fall , push a shovelinto the root organization to slightly fall apart it apart but leave it in the ground . By the undermentioned spring , small plants will go forth from the principal plant , which you may cut off with all the ascendent connected to them and replant in a new location .
Types of Acanthus
Spiny Bear’s Breeches
Acanthus spinosusis the dauntless case . It has ashen prime with purple hood on works up to 4 understructure tall . Zones 5 - 9
Common Bear’s Breeches
Acanthus mollisgrows to 5 base marvellous and produces glossy immature leaves andpurplish flowerstems with mauve - hooded livid flowers . Zones 6 - 10
Balkan Bear’s Breeches
Acanthus hungaricusbears whitened or lightpink flowerswith purple bract on 2 - foot - tall stem in early to summer solstice . Zones 6 - 9
Acanthus Companion Plants
Balloon Flower
The inflated budsof balloon flowers are fun to pop , and they make bang-up slashed flowers . reduce them in the bud degree and char the base of the bow to prevent the milky sap from seeping out and clog the water . Most unremarkably uncommitted in blue - violet , balloon flowers also come in pinkish and ashen and shorter forms well suited for stone garden and container . In fall , the foliage of balloon flower turns clear gold , so do n’t ignore the flora down too betimes , or you ’ll miss the show ! They tolerate light shade but not wet feet or drouth . Zones 4 - 9
Pearly Everlasting
Pearly everlastingis often grow as a flower for drying , but it ’s so pretty rise fresh in the garden that it ’s gruelling to bring yourself to cut it and bring it indoors . This North American aboriginal looks not bad even in the driest of atmospheric condition . Its silvery foliage and creamy livid blooms make it suitable for moon or whitened gardens . Grow it in lean soil or divide it frequently to keep it from go around too apace . Zones 3 - 8
Spurge
There are century of spurge , and most are valued by gardener because they ’re drouth - resistant and almost always ignored by deer and rabbits . spurge are surefire picksfor lend color to the garden . Many also reverse gorgeous colors in the gloaming , enlivening the fall garden . zone 3 - 10
Frequently Asked Questions
When digging it up , if any small pieces of antecedent are left in the soil , they can become new plant . One fast one to help keep it under command is to plant acanthus in a bottomless container in the ground so the roots ca n’t keep grow outward .
Acanthus has not been report to be toxic to humans or pets .
Acanthus has been used as a symbolic representation of immortality , resurrection , and conversion from the meter of ancient Greece to Victorian England and beyond . It is a recurring vegetal motif on columns , archway , chalk panels , and artworks .
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