Re: Acanthus
- Subject: Re: Acanthus
- From: T* &* M* R*
- Date: Fri, 03 Aug 2001 09:51:42 +1200
p.k.peirce@att.net wrote:
>
> I am looking for some first-hand information about
> Acanthus, a mediterranean native. I'm particularly
> interested in Acanthus mollis, but info about any of the
> species is welcome.
> The first thing I'd love to know is how often it is
> grown in the various mediterranean climate areas, or, if
> possible, an idea of whether it is held in low, medium,
> or high regard, in these areas, as a garden plant.
> The second thing I'm curious about is its invasiveness
> or, at least, tenacity. What keeps it in bounds besides,
> as one source suggests, an 8 inch deep barrier.
Pam
Acanthus mollis is commonly grown around my area which I sometimes
describe as modified Med because, though we have more rain than a true
Med climate, it normally falls mostly in winter leaving the summers
pretty dry. I don't think Acanthus is ever troubled by the dry summers,
but the most lush and vigorous clumps seem to grow where there is some
shade. I think really it is a better shade than a sun plant.
Individual plants do spread slowly vegetatively, but not to the extent
where I have found it necessary to set up artificial barriers around
them. In my experience almost all the real spread is by very vigorous
seeding and if you don't want extra plants it really pays to cut off the
flower heads soon after the fruits have begun to form.
If you ever want to remove plants it pays to get them at a young stage
as they eventually form very long and thick fleshy roots (thick all the
way along) spreading out at a wide angle from the stem and these if left
behind act as very efficient root cuttings.
In general I have found it amost handsome and satisfactory plant and a
real winner as a filler in large shrubberies and similar positions. I
can't see it invading a regularly-mown lawn.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand, SW Pacific. 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Time
