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Herbaceous Perennial

Acanthus spinosus Ferguson's form

A neat, compact, clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennial, to 65cm tall, with a rosette of very divided, toothed and prickly, lance-shaped, dark green leaves emerging from pointed buds. In summer, short spikes bear masses of silvery-white flowers hooded with purple bracts. The leaves, stems and flower spikes are covered with silky hairs

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

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

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

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)

Botanical details

Family: Acanthaceae
Native to the UK: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Acanthus are robust herbaceous perennials with handsome, lobed foliage and tall, erect racemes of two-lipped flowers with colourful bracts
Name status: Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in sun or part shade, will tolerate most soils but thrives in deep loam. Acanthus need careful positioning as they can be difficult to remove once established. 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

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

Pruning

Cut down old flower stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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