Acanthus spinosus

Acanthaceae

Oyster plant

Semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial. Leaves are large, dark green and deeply lobed with sharp tips. Funnel-shaped flowers are white, pink or purple, massed on erect spikes to 1.2m high during spring-summer.

Uses

Ornamental perennial suitable for cottage gardens and garden beds.

Culture

Suitable for full sun in temperate climates. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates frost and semi-shade.

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn, root cuttings in winter or by seed. Can be invasive.

Cultivars

'Holland Days': Deeply cut leaves that are pointed but not thorny; flowers white with purple bracts.

'Summer Beauty': Large,shiny dark green deeply cut leaves; flowers are white with mauve bracts.

Plant Health

Powdery mildew can be a problem.

More info

Plant Identification, Landscape Design and Home Garden Expert courses are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort Courses on growing Perennials are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort Video: ‘Identifying Bulbs and Perennials’ produced by Australian Correspondence Schools is available through http://www.acsgarden.com/shop/

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