Ac a n t h u s m o llis B e a r s breeches

LITTLE FLOWERS in purple and white THE BEARS BREECHES in this Scottish garden are thriving in the open. The masses of hand-
open along tall spikes above the foliage. some foliage suit a large garden where you can stand back and see the plants in perspective.

FEATURES CONDITIONS
Also known as bears breeches, this handsome Aspect It flowers best in full sun, but also grows in
foliage plant grows from 70cm lm (28-39in) light shade.
high, and can make a clump close to lm (39in) Site Needs well-drained soil that contains plenty of
s t J /W /

wide. The dark glossy leaves provided the organic m atter to aid water retention. Give
inspiration and model for the decoration on plants a deep layer of mulch with compost in
HERBACEOUS Corinthian columns. This striking feature the spring, and then a second application if
plant is at its best when mass planted, though necessary in mid-summer.
one generous clump can be extremely effective
in quite a sm all area. It enjoys full sun, but
also tolerates shade. The stiff flower spikes of GROWING METHOD
purple and white flowers appear among the
foliage from spring into summer. It can be Propagation Grows from seed sown in spring, or divide
quite a vigorous grower although it dies back clum ps in the spring or autumn. Plant new
after flowering. It can m ultiply quickly once divisions 3040cm (1216in) apart. Young
established, but is rarely troublesome. plants m ust be given ample water in dry
weather during spring and summer. After
flowering cut back on the watering.
Feeding Apply a complete plant food as growth starts
Acanthus at a g lan c e during the spring.
A. mollis is a vigorous Mediterranean perennial liking dry, Problems Since slugs and snails can cause a lot of damage
stoney ground. Hardy to -15C (5F), with bold shapely foliage. to young growth, badly disfiguring it, take
J an / precautions. N o other problem s are known.
R ecom mended V arieties
F eb sow ^ Acanthus mollis Fielding
M ar divide ^ Gold FLOWERING
A pr transplant ^ A.m. Hollards Gold
M ay flowering A.m. Latifolius Group Season The tall spikes o f purple and white flowers
appear in late spring and summer.
J un flowering
C ompanion Plants Cutting It is possible to use this as a cut flower; the
J uly / dried spikes make good indoor decoration.
A ug / Bergenia x (Ballawley
Forsythia
S ept /
O ct divide
Gypsophila AFTER FLOWERING
Syringa vulgaris
Nov / Requirements Protect young plants with straw overwinter.
D ec / Cut off the flowering stems once faded.

ACANTHUS MOLLIS 1 1 8 THE C O M P L E T E BOOK OF GAR D EN FL O W E R S