About
Acanthus dioscoridis var. perringii is a clump-forming perennial that reaches a height of up to 40 cm. It features deeply divided, spiny leaves that are a grey-green hue, accompanied by thick, spreading roots. From late spring through late summer, this plant produces elongated, upright flower spikes adorned with lilac-pink sepals and creamy white corollas.
About the genus
Acanthus consists of sturdy herbaceous perennials characterized by their lobed leaves and upright flower spikes featuring two-lipped blooms accompanied by vibrant bracts.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- S Turkey
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Prefers deep, fertile well-drained loam, but will grow in almost any soil, in sun or partial shade. Spreads by rhizomes. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
- Pruning
- Cut down spent flower stems after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in spring, by division in spring or autumn, or by root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews