Acanthus hirsutus
(Hairy Bear's Breeches)
Family - Acanthaceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - The Balkans, Turkey
Year of Introduction - 1887
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H6
Height - 45cm
Width - 30cm
Location - The Terrace
Description: A clump-forming, herbaceous Perennial with an upright habit. Dark green Basal Leaves are lanceolate in shape with pinnatifid lobing and spiny margins. The foliage and flowering stems are covered in silky hairs. Hooded tubular, 2-lipped flowers are pale green and creamy white and have green Bracts also covered in silvery hairs. The Blooms are held in dense, upright spikes and are produced from late spring into midsummer. The flower stems are good for use as cut flowers and drying.
Synonym - Acanthus caroli-alexandri
Flower:
Hooded, tubular 2-lipped flowers are pale green and creamy white and have grey-green bracts covered in silvery hairs. The flowers are held in dense, upright spikes and are produced from May into July.
Flower colour: White, green
Flower shape: Hooded tubular 2-lipped flowers in spikes
Flowering time: May, June, July
Foliage:
Dark green leaves are lanceolate in shape with pinnatifid lobing and spiny margins. The foliage and stems are covered in fine, silvery hairs. The leaves are held at the base of the plant.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Lanceolate with pinnatifid lobing
Propagation:
Division, root cuttings or seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in moisture retentive soil that is well drained.
