Acanthus 'Summer Beauty'

BEAR'S BREECHES
Family: Acanthaceae
Pronounced: ah-KAN-thus

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Geographical origin:
Garden.
Plant group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones 4-24.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Heat zones: 9-5.
Mature size:
Height: 30 inches (75 cm).
Width: 4 — 6 feet (1.2 — 2 m).
Flowering period:
Midsummer to late summer.
Flowering attributes:
Purple calyces on six-foot tall spikes surround white flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Deep green, shiny foliage with deeper lobes than the species, A. mollis.
Growth habit:
Clump-forming.
Light:
Full sun or partial shade.
Soil:
Humus rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize monthly spring through early summer with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation methods:
Divide in spring or fall.
Root cuttings late fall or early winter.

 

Rainy Side Notes

Chet Tompkins, from Oregon, imported Acanthus 'Summer Beauty' from a garden in China; this hybrid is most likely a cross between A. mollis and A. spinosus. Although we don't have to worry about it here in our PNW climate, this hybrid holds up well in hot summer climates.

When I peer into the individual flowers, it appears as if a little frog-like creature is hiding under a hood (calyx) and holding up a white hanky. The purple calyx really sets off the white flowers and the 6 feet tall flower spike makes quite a statement in the garden. This is a big and bold plant. If you have a dainty little garden full of petunias and baby's breath, this plant may not be for you! In my garden, it is planted next to a very large gunnera, and this summer beauty holds its own against the large coarse leaves of the gunnera.

Does anyone grow a garden of just petunias and baby's breath?

More Acanthus.

 

Photographed in author's garden.