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Herbaceous Perennial

Acanthus 'Summer Beauty'

bear's breech 'Summer Beauty'

'Summer Beauty' is a robust, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deeply-lobed, glossy vibrant green foliage forming a mound to 75cm tall. Spikes of white flowers, covered by hood-like spiny bracts, to 1.8m tall are borne above the foliage in summer

Synonyms
Acanthus mollis 'Summerdance'
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty'
see moreAcanthus spinosus 'Summer Beauty'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Acanthaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Acanthus are robust herbaceous perennials with handsome, lobed foliage and tall, erect racemes of two-lipped flowers with colourful bracts

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in sun or semi-shade in a well-drained soil. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by division or by root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Old flower stems can be cut down

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews

Get involved

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