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Acanthus hungaricus (Long-leaved bear's breeches)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Acanthus hungaricus
Other names
Long-leaved bear's breeches, Hungarian bear's breeches, Acanthus balcanicus , Acanthus longifolius
Genus
Acanthus Acanthus
Species
A. hungaricus - A. hungaricus is a clump-forming perennial bearing oblong to ovate, deeply lobed, dark green leaves with winged midribs and, in summer, erect racemes of white or pale pink flowers with spiny, purple bracts.
Acanthus hungaricus is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
Flower
White, Purple, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Slugs and snails may be a problem. Protect young plants.
Specific pests
Powdery mildew Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Cut down spent flower stems.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring, take root cuttings in winter, or divide established clumps between autumn and early spring.
Propagation methods
Seed, Division, Root cuttings
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Where to grow
Acanthus hungaricus (Long-leaved bear's breeches) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean
Cultivation
Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained loam but will grow in most soils. Plant shallowly. Drought tolerant once established. May be slow to establish but may become invasive in favourable conditions.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Acanthus hungaricus
Other names
Long-leaved bear's breeches, Hungarian bear's breeches, Acanthus balcanicus , Acanthus longifolius
Genus
Acanthus Acanthus
Species
A. hungaricus - A. hungaricus is a clump-forming perennial bearing oblong to ovate, deeply lobed, dark green leaves with winged midribs and, in summer, erect racemes of white or pale pink flowers with spiny, purple bracts.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
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Colour
Flower
White, Purple, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Slugs and snails may be a problem. Protect young plants.
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Cut down spent flower stems.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring, take root cuttings in winter, or divide established clumps between autumn and early spring.
Propagation methods
Seed, Division, Root cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Acanthus hungaricus (Long-leaved bear's breeches) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean
Cultivation
Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained loam but will grow in most soils. Plant shallowly. Drought tolerant once established. May be slow to establish but may become invasive in favourable conditions.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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