Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous Perennial

Acanthus 'Morning's Candle'

bear's breech 'Morning's Candle'

A herbaceous perennial, to 1.2m tall, with deeply-toothed dark green leaves forming a mound up to 1m wide. Spikes of hooded white flowers, protected by prickly purple bracts, are borne above the foliage in summer

Synonyms
Acanthus mollis 'Morning Candle'
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
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

Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil; does best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. 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
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down old flower stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Powdery mildews may be a problem

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.