Overview

Acanthus dioscoridis is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Acanthus, part of the Acanthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Acanthus dioscoridis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.

About

Acanthus dioscoridis is a species of flowering plant in the genus Acanthus, family Acanthaceae. A shrub, it is native to wetlands from southern Turkey to western Iran, including Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acanthus dioscoridis

About the genus

Acanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean Basin and Asia. This flowering plant is nectar-producing and depends on butterflies, such as Anartia fatima, and other nectar-feeding organisms to distribute its pollen. Common names include acanthus and bear's breeches.

Wikipedia contributors, "Acanthus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acanthus (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Acanthus

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Acanthus dioscoridis size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Acanthus dioscoridis

Propagation

Division, Root cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Powdery mildews may be a problem

Frequently asked questions