Acanthus 'Whitewater'
The Highlights
- Stunning and huge variegated leaves
- Beautiful upright white and purple flowers in the summer
- Very easy to grow and care for
- Perfect herbaceous feature for a bed or border
- More drought resistant during dry spells
- Flowers can be cut to make superb floral features
The Highlights
- Stunning and huge variegated leaves
- Beautiful upright white and purple flowers in the summer
- Very easy to grow and care for
- Perfect herbaceous feature for a bed or border
- More drought resistant during dry spells
- Flowers can be cut to make superb floral features
Care Guide
Good Pest and Disease Resistance
Acanthus may have issues with Powdery Mildew (which is more difficult to spot due to the variegated leaves). To prevent Mildew, you should space apart the plants adequately to prevent overcrowding and tight, humid conditions. Water at the base into the soil, not on the leaves, and try to prevent the water splashing off of the soil and onto the leaves.MORE
Water Well in Summer
Generally the plant will cope fine with rain water throughout the year. During hot, prolonged dry periods in summer, however, you may have to give the plant a good watering several times a week. If the plant starts to look distressed and the soil around it is very dry, then give the plant some more water and check up on it the next day.
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Plant somewhere where the plant will receive around 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Fertile, Well-Drained Soil
Acanthus prefers fertile, well-drained soil, but can cope simply in any normal well-drained soil. If your soil is particularly poor or clay heavy then a good mix is garden compost with some added perlite to improve drainage.
Not Required
Don't worry, this isn't a hungry plant so your food bills won't be going up!
For more care tips and ideas visit our Knowledge page
Planting Calendar
- Best time to plant
- Harvest
- Flower