Acanthus hungaricus

RHS Plant Profile

long-leaved bear's breech

RHS

Other common names

long-leaved bear's breeches

Synonyms

Acanthus hungaricus 'Architect'
Acanthus balcanicus misapplied
Acanthus longifolius Host

Herbaceous Perennial

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A perennial to 1.5m tall with mounds of deeply cut leaves up to 1m long and 20cm wide. Spikes of white to pink flowers are borne in summer under green or purplish hoods

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Acanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: 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: Correct
Plant Range: Balkans

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in sun or semi-shade in well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division or from root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down old flower stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews