Acanthus 'Summer Beauty'

Bear's Breaches 'Summer Beauty' is a clumping perennial cultivar that is a cross between Acanthus mollis x Acanthus spinosus.  Genus name comes from the Greek word akantha meaning spine refering to the toothed edges on leaves in some species.

Plant in partial shade to bright shade in well-drained soil.  It can tolerate a wide variety of soil types except for wet ones. The 4-6 foot wide clump will spread by rhizomes and propagation can be done by root cuttings. The flower spike can reach 6 feet in height. It is very drought tolerant but providing water during dry periods will keep it from going dormant and keep the foliage looking attractive.

The large dark green leaves add a tropical look while the spikes of white and purple flowers add a bold vertical statement.  It is more tolerant of heat and humidity than its parents.  Resistant to browsing from rabbits and deer. 

Use their bold shape as a specimen plant or in small groups in borders or formal shade gardens. Be sure to plant them where you want them as they can be hard to eradicate once established. Each little piece of root can make a plant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Susceptible to powdery mildew, snails and slugs