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Acanthus
(ak-AN-thus) Bear's Breeches |
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This striking group consists of
about 20 species of perennials and subshrubs, most of Mediterranean
origin. Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel'
is the very newest of the genus. Terra Nova says "Striking, bold leaves
with white margins and mottling. It forms a large clump with 4 to 5'
tall ornamental flower stalks of pink and cream in late summer." They
have it listed as hardy to Zone 7, but this is so new I don't think
there is much of a database on hardiness yet and you never know about
variegated plants, but this one is definitely worth a try. The
variegation begins to fade as the individual leaf ages.
Flower closeup. |
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10215
Acanthus 'Tasmanian Angel' Sold Out
Sun-Part Shade
/ 3-5’ / Zone7?-8 / Summer Bloom / Quart Pots / $12.95 ea. |
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Under one of the confusing
classification schemes for this genus plants of the Spinosissimus Group
are hybrids (Acanthus mollis x Acanthus spinosus) with characteristics
between the two species. Leaves are wider and larger than A. spinosus,
still with spines but these are softer tipped.
Acanthus ‘Summer
Beauty’ is a recent selection from China, thought to be a
spinosissimus type, with much better heat tolerance than Acanthus mollis.
The flower spikes are said to reach 6’! |
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10210 Acanthus ‘Summer Beauty’
Add
to Cart
Sun-Part Shade / 4-5’ / Zone6-9? / Summer Bloom / Quart Pots /
$9.95 ea. |
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Acanthus ‘Rue Ledan’
is the white flowered form of A. mollis with pure white blooms
and bracts that are green rather than the purple of the species. This
is the same plant as A. ‘Jeff Albus’ and A. ‘Jardin en Face’. It’s more
compact than the species. |
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10208 Acanthus ‘Rue Ledan’
Add
to Cart
Sun-Part Shade / 3’ / Zone6-8 / Summer Bloom / Quart Pots / $9.95
ea. |
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Acanthus
spinosus is probably the most garden-worthy species for most
American gardens with finely cut, long, thin leaves, spiny at the tips.
The long lasting flower spikes are very showy with white and purple
blooms that emerge from darker purple, spiny bracts. I’ve had plants in
various locations (some less than ideal) over a period of years and
they’ve reliably made it through the worst winters. These are all
plants of classic form with handsome leaves that are best displayed as
specimens. |
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10206 Acanthus spinosus SOLD
OUT
Sun-Part Shade
/ 3-4’ / Zone6-9 / Summer Bloom / Quart Pots / $9.95 ea. |
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