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Herbaceous Perennial

Acanthus mollis Latifolius Group

bear's breech Latifolius Group

A group of clump-forming perennials, with very large, glossy, shallowly lobed basal leaves up to 1.2m long. Tall, spiny spikes of flowers are produced in late summer; flowers may be white or pale pink, and hooded with green or purple bracts. This group is named for its dense clumps of dramatic foliage, and may not flower as prolifically as some other cultivars

Synonyms

Acanthus latifolius Goeze
Acanthus mollis var. latifolius

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

1–1.5 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

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 GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen or 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: Accepted

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 in spring or autumn, or by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut spent stems down to the base after flowering. Cut back old foliage in spring

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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