Acanthus - Bears Breeches - A Plant Profile
Architectural Magnificence in the Perennial Border
Jul 2, 2009
History and Traditions:
Acanthus is a plant which has come to mean quality, longevity and creativity. As a plant it was native to Greece and prized there more for its’ leaves than its beautiful spires of tubular flowers. It first appeared ,in architectural terms, on the Corinthian Columns of Ancient Greece and has since become synonymous with Greek Architecture. Its very name is the Latinized form of the Greek Akanthos (the prefix of which means spiny)
Its deeply divided ornate leaves can be found decorating buildings and columns right through Greek, Roman and medieval times. In renaissance art it could be found in sculpture, woodcarvings and friezes. The Victorians also loved its symbolism and incorporated it into the decorative arts – wallpaper china etc. As a plant it has been cultivated in gardens across the globe.
Cultivation:
This herbaceous perennial flourishes in any deep fertile soil with good drainage, requiring full light to grow (not necessarily full sun).Once established it does not like to be disturbed and sends down long tubular tap roots that resist movement. A large plant with an evergreen mound of glossy green arching leaves it requires plenty of room to grow. The tall spires of tubular, usually purple and white flowers, appear in midsummer and can put on quite a show until the early autumn. Although fully hardy it is recommended in colder areas to cut the leaves down to ground level in autumn and cover the crown of the plant in the first two years after planting.
Varieties:
Acanthus Spinosa – the most common of the Acanthus’. The purple hooded flowers have white lips and both the leaves and the bracts bear spines. Height 4ft Spread 2.5ft. No staking necessary. Impressive flower heads are good both fresh and dried. Flowering period july – September
Acanthus Mollis- Similar leaves and bracts to A.Spinosa but spineless. Flowering time June – September. Height 1.2m (4ft) Spread 50cm (18inches)
Acanthus Hungarius - Handsome deeply indented leaves of dark dull green 2-3ft long (60cm – 90cm). Narrower than that of the better known A. Mollis / Spinosa they make a particularly impressive mound of foliage out of which rises the imposing 1m (3.5ft) tall spikes of hooded white or pale pink flowers each protected by a spiny reddish purple bract.
Planting:
Plant anytime in early spring in well-drained soil. Thrives in sun or light shade.
Propagation:
Sow seeds under glass in spring. Alternatively when plants have become large and overcrowded, lift and divide root cuttings in early autumn.
Note:
Acanthus Spinosa spikes can be painful to both small children and gardeners so keep clear of path edges.
 |
 |
 |
 |
