Overview
Acanthus longifolius is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Acanthus, part of the Acanthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Acanthus longifolius grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural, low maintenance, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Acanthus longifolius is a deciduous cultivar of the Acanthus genus, known for its columnar upright habit. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is well-drained. Suitable for all garden aspects and both exposed and sheltered positions, it is hardy to UK zone H6. This cultivar is ideal for architectural planting, low maintenance gardens, flower borders, and cut flowers. Propagation is achieved through division or root cuttings.
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Acanthus longifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acanthus longifolius
- Propagation
- Division, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Acanthus longifolius?
Acanthus longifolius prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Acanthus longifolius need?
Acanthus longifolius is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Acanthus longifolius hardy in the UK?
Acanthus longifolius has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Acanthus longifolius?
Division, Root cuttings.