Acanthus Mollis

Planted in chalky soil in sun, wonderful foliage , although I dont treat it any differently from any other perennial but it has only flowered once in three years o f being in my garden - (second year) - this is its fourth year and there are no signs of any flower spikes again. Any suggestions would be very welcome, much as I love the foliage I planted it for its flowers as well. I don t think it is my soil as everything else flowers beautifully.

Re: Acanthus Mollis

Reply from Kathy C

Hi, Pauline,
A bit of a mystery. How much water does it get? They usually like it on the dry side. You might want to try a feed high in phosphorus - the nutrient responsible for flower production. Any garden centre should have this. If that doesn't work next year, perhaps a new location, maybe with a little less sun.
Kathy C

Re: Re: Acanthus Mollis

Reply from Pauline Cobbold

Thanks Kathy. Will certainly give that a try . In this dry summer we are having on the south east coast the leaves are often flagging so have been giving it a bit of water along with newly planted perennials , strange because most of my established perennials are only being watered with rain water (till it runs out) every fortnight.