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Acanthus mollis
(Bear's Breeches)

Family - Acanthaceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Southern Europe, Northwest Africa
Year of Introduction - 1548
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H6
Height - up to 1.5m
Width - 90cm

Description: A herbaceous Perennial with a clump-forming and upright habit. Glossy dark green Basal Leaves are obovate to oblong in shape and have pinnatifid lobing, but lack spines (unlike many other species). Each leaf can reach 1m in length. Hooded, tubular 2-lipped flowers are white and have showy deep purple Bracts. The flowers are held in striking, vertical spikes that can reach 75cm or more in length. The Blooms are produced in late summer and are good for use as cut flowers and drying and are also attractive to pollinating insects. The foliage of this species is believed to be the inspiration for the leaves on Corinthian columns.

Flower:

Hooded, tubular 2-lipped flowers are white and have showy deep purple bracts. The flowers are held on upright spikes that can reach 75cm or more in length. The blooms are produced in August, though the bracts remain attractive for longer.

Flower colour: White, purple

Flower shape: Hooded tubular 2-lipped flowers in spikes

Flowering time: August

Foliage:

Glossy dark green leaves are obovate to oblong in shape with pinnatifid lobing. Each leaf can reach 1m in length. The foliage is held at the base of the plant.

Foliage Senescence: Semi-evergreen

Foliage Shape: Obovate to oblong with pinnatifid lobing

Propagation:

Division, root cuttings.

Cultivation:

Best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture retentive soil that is well drained.