About
Acanthus hirsutus is a herbaceous perennial that reaches heights of up to 45 cm. It features a rosette of lance-shaped leaves that are dark green, toothed, and prickly, measuring as much as 40 cm in length and 8 cm in width. During the summer months, it produces short flower spikes adorned with creamy-pale-yellow blossoms that are sheltered by green bracts. The foliage, stems, and flower spikes are all coated with fine, silky hairs.
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
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Architectural
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil; does best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
- Pruning
- Cut down old flower stems
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division or from root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews