Acanthus hungaricus

HUNGARIAN BEAR’S BREECHES

Acanthus hungaricus
HUNGARIAN BEAR’S BREECHES

Acanthus hungaricus is indispensable for any gardener who is tearing their hair out over an awful spot where seemingly nothing will grow.

Tough as old boots

Acanthus hungaricus is as tough as old nails, and will occupy those horror spots where so many other plants have been tried and failed miserably.

Stately & handsome flower spires

Though tough, Acanthus hungaricus does not compromise on handsome good looks.
As it makes an imposing presence, with tall eye-catching spires of flowers, and heavily cut and scalloped large, shiny leaves.
Tiers of hooded flowers stand out with oyster-pink and maroon striped hoods and large pouting cream bottom lips.

Architectural foliage interest

While the tiered foliage clump provides plenty of textural and architectural interest with large, scalloped and heavily cut shiny leaves.

Perfect under trees & in dry, tough shade 

Acanthus hungaricus can be planted in virtually any position, in Sun or Shade, and thrive.
But it really comes into it’s own, saving the sanity of gardeners who are tearing their hair out, by growing robustly in Dry Shade, where almost nothing else will grow.

Indestructible & perfect for binding a bank

Acanthus hungaricus is perfect for binding a bank and planting in an inaccessible place where you want something to look after itself and rarely if ever visit.
Acanthus hungaricus is hardy in heat, hard frost, dry, wind, salt spray and seaside planting – bulletproof.

Exceptionally low maintenance

It is certainly exceptionally low maintenance – though you can slash the spent flower stems and old leaves back in autumn (with a whipper snipper is fine – no finesse needed) to promote the new growth. This will keep it handsome till next autumn.
But please be aware Acanthus hungaricus is, like all the tough Bear’s Breeches, virtually indestructible. So don’t plant it in your choicest position, and don’t pamper it – because any tiny piece left behind will certainly re-grow.

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

Sow seeds of Acanthus hungaricus at any time indoors in small pots / or plant directly in garden in autumn, winter or spring.

Indoors: First sow the seeds on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then cover the seed with mix to a depth equivalent to the seed’s diameter.

Now thoroughly moisten the punnet by standing in a shallow water bath. And allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Drain and place the moist, sown punnet in a warm, well-lit position that cools down at night (alternating warm / cool temperatures are beneficial for germination).

Daytime temperatures of 10-20°C approx. are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.

Continue to keep the punnet moist by misting the punnet from a spray water bottle.
And covering the punnet with a clear plastic or glass lid will help to maintain consistent moisture and prevent drying out.

Because these seeds really respond to stable moisture levels.

Seeds germinate in approx. 10-21 days.
But do not discard the punnet too quickly, as some seeds may continue to germinate over a period. Which is normal for Acanthus.
Seedlings grow quickly, and can soon be moved to grow on in larger pots.

Seed Count: 3 large seeds per pack.

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