Our acanthus in the garden are looking absolutely superb now. This clump of Acanthus ‘Morning Candle’ was particularly photo worthy with its 4′ tall flower spikes and shiny, lobed basal foliage. We find that very open light shade to a few hours of morning sun produces the best floral shows. Acanthus require little in the
Morning Candles that last for Days Read More »
While many people grow acanthus (bear’s breech) in their garden, I’m betting not many folks have grown the Syrian, Acanthus hirsutus ssp. syriacus. Frankly, we didn’t think this native to Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, would be winter hardy here, but after a decade in the ground, our specimen continues to be quite happy. This is
From Syria with Serious Spines Read More »
In 60 years of gardening, I’ve yet to seen a nursery that offers Acanthus spinosus, who actually has the correct plant. 100% of everything in the commercial trade is actually a hybrid of Acanthus hungaricus and A. spinosus, which looks nothing like the true species. Even authoritative on-line reference sites which should know better, all
Spiny is as Spinosus Does Read More »
