Acanthus 'Morning's Candle'
bear's breech 'Morning's Candle'
A herbaceous perennial, to 1.2m tall, with deeply-toothed dark green leaves forming a mound up to 1m wide. Spikes of hooded white flowers, protected by prickly purple bracts, are borne above the foliage in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
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
Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil; does best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. 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
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down old flower stems
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Powdery mildews may be a problem
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