Acanthus 'Summer Beauty'
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BEAR'S BREECHES
Family: Acanthaceae
Pronounced: a-KANTH-us
GROWING GUIDE
Geographical Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
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Mature size: Height: 30 inches (75 cm). Width: 4 - 6 feet (1.2 - 2 m).
Flowering period: Midsummer to late summer.
Flowering attributes: Purple calyces on six-foot tall spikes surround white flowers.
Leaf attributes: Deep green, shiny foliage with deeper lobes than the species, A. mollis.
Growth habit: Clump-forming.
Light: Full sun or partial shade.
Soil: Humus rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize monthly spring through early summer with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods: Divide in spring or fall. | Root cuttings late fall or early winter.
Rainy Side Notes
Chet Tompkins, from Oregon, imported Acanthus 'Summer Beauty’ from a garden in China; this hybrid is most likely a cross between A. mollis and A. spinosus. Although we don't have to worry about it here in our PNW climate, this hybrid holds up well in hot summer climates.
When I peer into the individual flowers, it appears as if a little frog-like creature is hiding under a hood (calyx) and holding up a white hanky. The purple calyx really sets off the white flowers and the 6 feet tall flower spike makes quite a statement in the garden. This is a big and bold plant. If you have a dainty little garden full of petunias and baby's breath, this plant may not be for you! In my garden, it is planted next to a very large gunnera, and this summer beauty holds its own against the large coarse leaves of the gunnera.
Does anyone grow a garden of just petunias and baby's breath?
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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