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Herbaceous Perennial

Acanthus mollis 'Hollard's Gold'

bear's breech 'Hollard's Gold'

A clump-forming perennial, to 1.5m high in flower, with dark red-brown stems and glossy, deeply lobed basal leaves that are bright yellow-green in spring and in autumn. Tall, spiny spikes of white flowers with purple hoods are produced from mid summer to early autumn

Synonyms
Acanthus mollis 'New Zealand Gold'
Acanthus mollis 'Fielding Gold'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow
Summer White Purple Green
Autumn White Purple Green Yellow
Winter Green Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Acanthaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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 sun or part shade, will tolerate most soils but thrives in deep loam. Acanthus need careful positioning as they can be difficult to remove once established. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn, or by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut spent stems down to the base after flowering. Cut back old foliage in spring

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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