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Acanthus spinosus
'' Common Names: Bear's Breeches |
| Description: | |
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The bold, spiny leaves immediately catch your eye. The striking features of this perennial are enhanced by stiff flower spikes bearing hooded gray-purple flowers that rise above the dramatic foliage. Flower spikes are quite long-lasting and real showstoppers in the garden. In bloom, its intricate beauty will stop you in your tracks. A bit slow to become established, but patient gardeners will not be disappointed. We bought our first one three years ago and all but forgot it until last year when it really made its presence known. Although this plant is not native it looks like it should be. While it is listed as a Zone 6-9 plant we have not had a problem growing it here in Zone 5. |
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| Recommendations: | |
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- Plant in autumn or in spring. Prepare a packet of coarse sand or gravel to keep the base of the plant dry over winter. - Leave the clumps undisturbed for at least five years to allow them to develop. As slugs are very fond of the handsome leaves, put down anti-slug pellets. - It is possible to grow the plant from seed but the results take a long time to appear. An easier method is by division and replanting at the end of the summer. It is also possible to propagate from root cuttings. |
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| Problems: | |
| Powdery mildew. Also susceptible to slug and snail attack. |
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