Acanthus 'Whitewater' (v)
bear's breech 'Whitewater'
An herbaceous perennial, to 1.5m high, with large, deeply cut, variegated dark-green leaves covered with white splashes. In summer, erect flower stems bear white, funnel-shaped flowers with hood-like purple bracts
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 Variegated White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green Variegated White | ||
| Autumn | Green Variegated White | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
The ideal soil is a deep, fertile, well-drained loam but it will grow in most soils and has good drought tolerance. . The flowers can be used in fresh and dried arrangements
Propagation
Propagate by division or by root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down old flower stems
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to 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.