Acanthus mollis

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Perennial, EvergreenFamily: Acanthaceae

Height: 1.5mSpread: 90cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Purple

White

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade

Aspect:

East facing, south facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist

Acanthus, or bear's breeches, are bold plants, with evergreen architectural foliage and tall flower spikes in summer.

Acanthus mollis has enormous, glossy, deeply lobed leaves and tall flower spikes that are clothed in white flowers, each with a hood-like purple bract, in midsummer. It's perfect for growing at the back of a herbaceous border and makes a striking architectural presence. The flowers are much loved by bees and can be used in fresh and dried arrangements.

Grow Acanthus mollis in well-drained, fertile soil, in full sun or partial or dappled 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 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.

Where to buy Acanthus mollis

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Acanthus ‘Mollis’ and wildlife

Acanthus ‘Mollis’ is known for attracting bees.

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 ‘Mollis’ poisonous?

Acanthus ‘Mollis’ 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