Acanthus spinosus Ferguson's form

RHS Plant Profile
spiny bear's breech Ferguson's form

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Herbaceous Perennial
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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or 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

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
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Acanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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