Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Acanthus mollis bears enormous, deeply lobed leaves, from which tall flower spikes clothed in white flowers, each with a hood-like purple bract, emerge in late summer. The flowers can be used in fresh and dried arrangements.

Acanthus mollis ‘Whitewater’ has dark green leaves heavily splashed with white, with bold margins. Its flowers are pink and cream-white. It's perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border, particularly among plants with bold colours, and makes striking architectural presence.

Grow Acanthus mollis ‘Whitewater’ in well-drained, fertile soil, in full sun or partial shade. Divide congested clumps in spring or autumn. It's a herbaceous perennial, so its foliage dies down in autumn, reappearing the following spring.

While it doesn't spread, Acanthus mollis 'Whitewater' does grow into a large clump, which is relatively trouble-free unless you want to move it. However, if you do decide to move it, you may find you're unable to eradicate it from its original spot – its roots are so deep that it's hard to remove them all when you dig the plant out of the ground. These then quickly grow into new plants, which can prove impossible to get rid of.

More on growing Acanthus mollis:

Where to buy Acanthus mollis 'Whitewater'

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes

Acanthus ‘Whitewater’ and wildlife

Acanthus ‘Whitewater’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Acanthus ‘Whitewater’ poisonous?

Acanthus ‘Whitewater’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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