Overview
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' is a clump forming perennial herb in the genus Acanthus, part of the Acanthaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and architectural planting. 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
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, architectural planting
- Native to
- Mediterranean region
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Cut back old flower spikes after blooming to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn, seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty'?
Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty'?
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' need?
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' 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 do I prune Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty'?
Cut back old flower spikes after blooming to encourage new growth.
How big does Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' grow?
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' hardy in the UK?
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty'?
Division in spring or autumn, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- How to Grow Drought-Tolerant Plants That Actually SurviveDrought-tolerant plants only survive dry summers if you establish them properly. What to plant, how to water in the first year, and why soil matters more than the plant list.
- Six Pots and a Bad SummerResilient planting and good-looking planting aren’t opposites. On finding out what actually copes in a small garden, with six pots and one summer to do it.
- A June Garden, in Three PalettesThree plant palettes for a British June — roses underplanted, a garden of spires, and oriental poppies while they last. Fenn Plants' guide to the early-summer garden.
More in the Acanthus genus
- Acanthus balcanicusBear's Breeches
- Acanthus spinosusspiny bear's breech
- Acanthus spinosus spinosissimusspiny bear's breech Spinosissimus Group
