Re: Acanthus

Pam,

I am guessing that you are more curious to know how A.
mollis is regarded outside California, as it is so
commonly grown here that you shouldn't have any
problems getting other's opinions of it.  It certainly
has both virtues and vices, and as usual with such
tough and vigorous growers, where and how it is used
will greatly influence one's opinions.

Definitely not a plant to use adjacent less vigorous
plantings, as it will spread, harbors slugs and
snails, and is difficult to get rid of where it is no
longer wanted, but certainly not impossible.  On the
other hand, it tolerates deep shade to full sun, is
beautiful in leaf and flower, and can get by on
absolutely no supplemental irrigation here in coastal
California, although it will go dormant right after
blooming in drier settings.  Perhaps this is a case
for using it with other summer dormant plants such as
Amaryllis belladonna, and Alstromeria 'Ligtu Hybrids'
below a canopy of Aesculus californica trees, in a
garden setting that would be self sustaining without
irrigation?

In an irrigated landscape it can be forced to remain
evergreen, yet still benefits aesthically from a good
shearing back after summer bloom, to force fresh new
growth.  Also best used in a contained area, or with
other plants of equally aggressive spreading
characteristics such as Bergenia crassifolia, Iris
confusa and Nephrolepsis cordifolia; let these
potential garden thugs duke it out!  Regular mowing of
lawns is the reason you don't see it there, if left
unmown, it would eventually spread and conquer.

If you want just a small contained planting of any of
the Acanthus species here in the SF Bay Area, best to
use it where it is surrounded by paving, or within a
large bottomless container.  Within a larger garden
setting, root barriers such as used for containing
running bamboos are a reliable way to keep it out of
adjoining areas.  Mass plantings of A. mollis can be
spectacular in full bloom, and it is a great cut
flower for overscale arrangements. 

Regarding A. spinossismus; another beautiful species,
but the flower spikes in particular are wicked sharp. 
I hate having to dead head or weed adjacent this one
in my own garden, to the point of seriously
considering moving it, but the months long bloom
period and great height, (I am drawn to tall spikey
flowers as accents),  all conspire to leaving it be.





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