Overview
Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' is a columnar upright perennial herb in the genus Acanthus, part of the Acanthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and cut flowers. It is native to Mediterranean region.
About
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear's breeches, sea dock, bear's foot plant, sea holly, gator plant or oyster plant, is a species of plant in the family Acanthaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a leafy, clump-forming perennial herb, with a rosette of relatively large, lobed or toothed leaves, and purplish and white flowers on an erect spike.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acanthus mollis
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
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Mediterranean region
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan'
- Propagation
- Division, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan'?
Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' need?
Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' grow?
Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' hardy in the UK?
Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' 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 mollis 'Rue Ledan'?
Division, Root cuttings.
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More in the Acanthus genus
- Acanthus balcanicusBear's Breeches
- Acanthus spinosusspiny bear's breech
- Acanthus spinosus spinosissimusspiny bear's breech Spinosissimus Group
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