ACANTHUS – AN INTRODUCTION TO….

This family of herbaceous perennials has been prominent in gardens and borders for over 200 years. Popularly known as ‘Bears Breeches’ the origins of the Acanthus family lie in the Asiatic countries.
SPACE REQUIRED
Acanthus make fairly robust clumps so be prepared to afford them the space to show off. Space plants 24” apart if planting in a clump, allow 36” between them and nearby plants, at least.
USES IN THE GARDEN
I prefer to use them not so much in combination with other plants, but to highlight and provide a good leafy focal point. Although not evergreen, I have found the foliage tends to last longer and deeper into the Autumn than neighbouring perennials, and the satisfying size, deeply indented outline and shiny, glossy rich green makes them worth growing for their foliage alone. The towering spires of hooded lipped flowers appear during Summers second half. The flowers are lilac-purple and white. There is also a pure white form.
SOIL
Not too dry. A good, hearty moisture retentive soil achieves the most luxurious clumps. Sun or part shade is fine and these are normally entirely hardy perennials that will last for years.
SPECIES & CULTIVARS
Acanthus mollis Is the most familiar species and a good easy grower.
Acanthus spinosus Distinguished by it’s rather spiny [but quite dramatic and effective] leaves.
Acanthus mollis albus Has pure white flowers.
Acanthus White Water A recent introduction with foliage marbled and variegated in white, frequently pink when young. An extremely striking cultivar but not as strong and best sited in filtered shade.
GOOD GARDEN COMPANIONS
Similarly robust perennials with contrasting foliage style work well with Acanthus. I like to use Hosta’s such as Zounds, Bluer Mammoth, Krossa Regal and Sum and Substance. Daylilies in the larger category work well too, especially those in the white or purple-lilac shades. Look for Arctic Snow, Snowy Apparition, Prairie Blue Eyes, Purple Waters or Hyperion. Delphiniums work well as a counterpunch behind a good clump of Acanthus, any of the taller strains will look fabulous. Agapanthus is another ideal choice, again the larger growing hybrids will have the ability to compete and complement the Acanthus.