About
Acanthus hirsutus subsp. syriacus is a perennial herb that forms dense clumps and reaches heights of up to 75 cm. It features a rosette of lance-shaped leaves that are dark green, serrated, and prickly, arising from pointed buds. During the summer months, the plant produces short floral spikes adorned with creamy-pale-yellow blooms, each encased in reddish-brown bracts. The entire plant, including the leaves, stems, and flower spikes, is coated in 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
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Architectural
- Native to
- Turkey to Israel
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