About
Acanthus 'Morning's Candle' is a herbaceous perennial that can reach heights of up to 1.2 meters. It features a mound of dark green foliage with deeply-toothed leaves that can spread to about 1 meter in width. During the summer, tall spikes emerge from the leaves, showcasing hooded white flowers that are safeguarded by prickly purple bracts.
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
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden
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 division or by root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews