Acanthus dioscoridis var. perringii
Perring’s bear’s breech
A clump-forming deciduous perennial to 40cm tall, with deeply divided, spiny grey-green leaves and fleshy, running roots. Produces long, upright spikes of flowers, with lilac pink sepals and creamy white corollas, from late spring to late summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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 | Pink Purple Cream White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple Cream White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
- Plant range
- S Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers deep, fertile well-drained loam, but will grow in almost any soil, in sun or partial shade. Spreads by rhizomes. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring, by division in spring or autumn, or by root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down spent flower stems after flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
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