Perennials: Acanthus spinosus

 

	90cm-1.2m (3-4ft)
	Up to 90cm (3ft)
	Mid to late summer
	Deep, well-drained soil
	Sunny or light shade
	Hardy Herbaceous
	Trouble Free
	Medium
	Low

 

Acanthus spinosus

Common Name: bear's breeches
Family: Acanthaceae
Native Range: Mediterranean
Bloom Color: Pink - mauve

Pictured above, the Acanthus spinosus is a relatively easy to grow hardy perennial which is grown for its summer display of bold flower spikes similar to those found on a snap-dragon. The white and pinkish / purple flowers are suspended well above the folliage by darker reddish-purple bracts which have spines.

Acanthus spinosus is also grown very much for its immense, dark green, glossy, thistle-like, leaves and folliage. Bear's breeches is a wonderful border plant that provide excellent cut flowers, which are suitable to be dried. It grows to about three or four foot in height and its spread is around three feet.

Cultivation

Plant between fall (autumn) and early spring in a reasonably well-drained soil where it can get some full sun or, if this is not possible, plant it in a lightly shaded area. Acanthus spinosus can prove slow to establish itself in the garden but once it is it may be a problem as it can be rather invasive in looser soils due to its creeping roots. When removing Acanthus spinosus it is important to ensure that you remove all of the root as it can regrow from even the smallest section of root left behind.

Propogation

Acanthus spinosus can easily be grown from seed which should be sown in early spring, in a cold frame or under glass, in good quality seed compost. When the seedlings have about three true leaves prick them out and plant them in a nursery bed about 15cm (6in) apart. After two years they should be ready to transfer to their permanent positions in your garden.

Acanthus spinosus can also be propagated by root cuttings. Around late winter or early spring take a cutting from the thicker roots of about 7.5cm (3in) and plant in a suitable compost. It is amazing how easily this border plant can grow from even the smallest root cutting.

 

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