Acanthus mollis (Latifolius Group) 'Rue Ledan'

RHS Plant Profile
bear's breech 'Rue Ledan'
bear's breech 'Rue Ledan' visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Acanthus 'Rue Lodan'
Acanthus mollis 'Jardin en Face'
Acanthus mollis 'Jefalba'
Acanthus mollis 'Albiflorus'
Acanthus mollis 'Alba'
Acanthus mollis white-flowered

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming, semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial to around 1.5m tall with broad, shallowly lobed, glossy, dark green leaves and upright racemes of white flowers with green hoods in late summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Acanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, 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

The ideal soil is a deep, fertile, well-drained loam but it will grow in most soils and has good drought tolerance. Do not move this plant as new shoots will emerge from deep roots unavoidably left behind and may be difficult to eradicate. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn or by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

Cut down old flower stems

Pests

Powdery mildews may be a problem

Diseases

Slugs and snails may be a problem