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    • Photo of Acanthus syriacus flower, foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Photo by Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Acanthus syriacus

    Also Known As

    • Acanthus dioscoridis var. perringii
    • Acanthus hirsutus ssp. syriacus
    • Syrian Acanthus

    Plant type

    perennial

    size

    • H: 12"-24"
    • W: 12"-24"

    planting zones

    • 6a-10b

    More Options

    Acanthus syriacus plant details

    Acanthus syriacus is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer cream, purple, red and yellow flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - bright shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Acanthus syriacus

    Plant type: perennial
    Plant family: acanthaceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
    Flowers: cream, purple, red and yellow blooms in summer
    Uses: big leaves, rosette-forming, spiky

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Acanthus syriacus

    USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
    Watering frequency: even moisture - low
    Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
    Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Short, stickery flower spikes of rose-purple and white rise to 16" above a rosette of prickly leaves 2 feet across. No strangers will be picking this one from your garden, but you'll have a wonderfully geometric, textural plant with a majestic, long-lasting flower. Bold in the dry garden - a significant presence. Minimum temperature: 0°F

    By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Leaves with many spines, they have lovely dense spikes of purple veined white flowers, 3 ft. high, best in a slightly shaded protected place; Syria to Greece. ZONE 5

    By: Arrowhead Alpines

    Here's a breech that any bear would be proud of. Finely textured leaves and huge flowers on 2 ft stalks from June - July. Full to part sun with good drainage. Drought tolerant, but likes an occassional summer drink. Deciduous. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.

    By: Cistus Nursery

    Gardening facts about Acanthus syriacus plant

    How to Grow Acanthus syriacus

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - bright shade

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - drought tolerant

    • Soil Needs

      • clay
      • acidic
      • alkaline
      • adaptable
      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • cream
      • red
      • yellow
      • purple

    • Wildlife

      • deer resistant
      • rabbit resistant

    • Flower Season

      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    • Texture

      • glossy

    See other plant types of Acanthus for your garden

    Acanthus spinosus

    aka Bear's Breeches, Spiny Bear's Breeches

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    6a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-4'

    Width: 2'-3'

    • sun - dappled shade
    • even moisture - drought tolerant
    • dry when dormant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Acanthus spinosus foliage by Avant Gardens
    View Plant

    Acanthus sennii

    aka Ethiopian Acanthus

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Perennial

    Zones

    8a-11

    Size

    Height: 3'-7'

    Width: 2'-5'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • even moisture - drought tolerant
    Photo of Acanthus sennii flower by Cistus Nursery
    View Plant

    Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan'

    aka Acanthus hybrid 'Rue Leden', Acanthus mollis 'Jeff Albus', White Bear's Breeches, White Flower Bear's Breech

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    6a-10b

    Size

    Height: 2'-6'

    Width: 2'-6'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - occasional
    Photo of Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
    View Plant

    Acanthus mollis

    aka Bear's Breeches

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-4'

    Width: 3'-5'

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Acanthus mollis foliage by plant lust
    View Plant

    More Options

    Acanthus 'Summer Beauty'

    aka Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    6a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-6'

    Width: 3'-6'

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - occasional
    Photo of Acanthus 'Summer Beauty' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
    View Plant

    More Options

    +13 more Acanthus
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