Acanthus 'Summer Beauty'
bear's breech 'Summer Beauty'
'Summer Beauty' is a robust, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deeply-lobed, glossy vibrant green foliage forming a mound to 75cm tall. Spikes of white flowers, covered by hood-like spiny bracts, to 1.8m tall are borne above the foliage in summer
Synonyms
Acanthus mollis 'Summerdance'Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty'
see moreAcanthus spinosus 'Summer Beauty'
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Acanthus are robust herbaceous perennials with handsome, lobed foliage and tall, erect racemes of two-lipped flowers with colourful bracts
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in sun or semi-shade in a well-drained soil. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by division or by root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Old flower stems can be cut down
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be affected by powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.