Acanthus 'Whitewater' (v)
bear's breech 'Whitewater'
An herbaceous perennial, to 1.5m high, with large, deeply cut, variegated dark-green leaves covered with white splashes. In summer, erect flower stems bear white, funnel-shaped flowers with hood-like purple bracts
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Variegated White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green Variegated White | ||
| Autumn | Green Variegated White | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
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. . The flowers can be used in fresh and dried arrangements
Propagation
Propagate by division or by root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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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