Re: Acanthus

Hi Carolyn -

Acanthus are generally listed as hardy in USDA zones 6-10, or Sunset Zones
5-24.  Some species are hardier than others, but I suspect you will have no
problem with any.

I would expect that Acanthus would prefer to go completely summer dormant in
your area.  In the Bay Area, these perennials can often be more or less
evergreen due to our milder temps and if the flowers are cut out and
supplemental water is supplied.  But these plants go completely dormant (dying
back to roots) in their native Mediterranean and therefore can take high
summer temps because of it!

Do keep in mind that the roots tend to persist and new plants often sprouts
from any piece left behind of severed from the parent (i.e. through digging,
etc.).  I find this a wonderful plant but I have had many client complain
about it's 'invasiveness' (really just persistence in a place they moved it
from at some point).

Seán A. O'Hara
sean(at)gimcw.org
www.hortulusaptus.com
(ask about mediterranean climate gardening forum)

> Perhaps this topic has already been considered and has slipped by me,
> but I'd appreciate any relevant comments.
>
> I live in the Sonoma valley of California, between Santa Rosa and
> Sonoma, and am considering planting a group of Acanthus plants, probably
> Acanthus mollis.  We have hot summers - as high as 108 F for a few
> summer days every year - and my particular location is subject to winter
> temperatures as low as 20 degrees (rarely) for brief periods.  Water is
> available, but not unlimited.
>
> How hardy is Acanthus?  Are species other than mollis a better choice?
>
> Thank you.
>
>
> Carolyn Stone
>
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