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ACANTHUS spinosus
Commonly known as Bear's breeches
Similar to mollis, but not so large. Leaves deeply cut and spiny
Further Reading....
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Deciduous
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WhitePure white with purple bracts.
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Height1.5m (5ft)
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Spread60-90cm (24-36in)
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HerbaceousEarly in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch.Variable, clump forming perennial. Narrowly oblong-ovate, arching, dark-green leaves to 1m (39in) long. Produces tubular, 2-lipped flowers 3.5-5cm (1½-2in) long
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
ACANTHUS spinosus
- Details
- Description
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesArchitectural interestPests & DiseasesPowdery mildew.Place of originItaly to western Turkey.
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Flower ShapeSpikesTo 1m (39in) tall
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf shapeOvate
(see photos above) -
Seasonal InterestSummer
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Soil ConditionsTolerates all
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WildlifeRabbit Resistant
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Acanthus - Care Guide
Herbaceous Plants - Video Collection
- Dividing Herbaceous Perennials - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring Planting Osteospermums - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Dividing Summer Perennials - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Dividing summer flowering Hemerocallis - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Summer propagation - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Self-seeding aquilegia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Supporting Plants - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Dead heading meconopsis - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Dead heading Delphiniums - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Feeding herbaceous peonies - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Overpotting Problems - Video Tip ondemand_video
1.5m (5ft)
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60-90cm (24-36in) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Vermin & Pest Control
Slug Pellets
Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails.
Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
Only £6.50