Acanthus mollis is also known as Bear's Breeches. It's leaves, which are often said to be it's main feature, are dark green, of a great size, and with a complex texture. Each leaf can have deep cuts dissecting it almost into leaflets, although each leaf is different from the next. Because many are seed-grown, the diversity in leaf shape is large. In summer, creamy white to slightly pink flowers appear on tall, erect stalks.
Add to this textural drama the sheer size of the leaves. The leaf itself can be 30 cm (1 foot) long and as wide. These are held on petioles (leaf stems) up to 1 metre (3 feet) long. The flower spikes can grow to 5 feet tall. All tolled, this plant takes up a lot of space. The recommended space allowance for an Acanthus is 4 to 6 feet. The flowers themselves are white or cream, but they grow out of a purple calyx, so the flower spike has 2 colours on it.
What Acanthus Likes to Grow Well
SOIL: Likes loose, average to rich soil. Tolerates moderately dry conditions once established.
EXPOSURE: Partial shade.
MOISTURE: Average. Tolerates dry conditions once established. Hates wet conditions.
HARDINESS: USDA Zones 6-10.
Acanthus History
The acanthus leaf motif was very important in ancient Grecian design. It was chosen for decorative purposes because of the beauty of its leaves. The Acanthus is very prolific in Greece, and first the design element was taken directly from nature, as sprigs placed in homes. Indeed, it makes an excellent cut flower and the leaves last just as long, if not longer. Somehow, Greek sculpture managed to render it with truthful expression -- many of the examples of Acanthus leaves carved are extemely lifelike, whether it is of the soft or the spiky variety, showing the character, texture, and model of the leaf. During the fifth century B.C. the acanthus ornament took an important place especially in architecture, and was the principal ornament of the Corinthian capital, where it is immortalized in plinths, columns, and the like. The Acanthus motif is still very popular, partially due to decorators love of anything 'renaissance'.
Great Acanthus Links
Mediterranean Climate Gardening Throughout the World
The mediterranean has offered gardeners all over the world some of our most popular plants. Consider the rockery, basically a shrunken italian cliffside. How about the fig tree, most of the culinary herbs, and of course, the Acanthus. Look beyond this page for insight into all things Mediterranean, and be sure to check out the Virtual Tour of Willam Waterfield's private garden on the French Riviera - Clos du Peyronnet.
 |
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Jojo Sigurgeirson's Perennials topic, please visit the Discussions page.