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Acanthus 'Whitewater' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
bear's breech 'Whitewater'
Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial, to 1.5m high, with large, deeply cut, variegated dark-green leaves covered with white splashes. In summer, erect flower stems bear white, funnel-shaped flowers with hood-like purple bracts

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»å
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Acanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Acanthus are robust herbaceous perennials with handsome, lobed foliage and tall, erect racemes of two-lipped flowers with colourful bracts
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

The ideal soil is a deep, fertile, well-drained loam but it will grow in most soils and has good drought tolerance. . The flowers can be used in fresh and dried arrangements

Propagation

Propagate by division or by root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down old flower stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews