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Value-for-money

Acanthus hungaricus

Acanthus hungaricus
Hungarian Bear's Breech, Long-Leaved Bear's Breech, Hungarian bear’s breech

4,8/5
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Plant arrived in very good condition, I have just received it.

Véronique, 25/04/2023

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Value-for-money
Tall perennial with a generous habit, forming dense clusters of green, shiny, deep-cut leaves. In summer, large spikes of white flowers, periodically tinged with purple, are adorned with dull pinkish spiny bracts. Hardy and visually striking, it is ideal for adding volume to a sunny border, even in dry soil.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
80 cm
Spread at maturity
80 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April, September to October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

The Acanthus hungaricus, also known as Hungarian Acanthus or Balkan Acanthus, is a large perennial with a generous habit and a very architectural appearance. It forms a dense tuft of elongated and deeply cut leaves of a beautiful dark and glossy green, from which large spikes of white flowers emerge in summer, sometimes purplish pink, topped with dull pink bracts. With its elegance, this floriferous and generous plant is ideal for adding volume to a sunny bed, even in dry soil during the summer. 

The Acanthus hungaricus, despite its name, is no longer found spontaneously in Hungary nowadays but can be found in certain Balkan countries. It is a close relative of Acanthus mollis, found in forests in southern France, from the acanthus family. It is distinguished by its extraordinary floribundity and its preference for sunny locations. 

It is a perennial and deciduous herbaceous plant with a dense, upright habit that can reach 80 cm (32in) in height and 70 cm (28in) in spread. It produces long, dark green, glossy leaves, deeply cut into non-spiny lobes. In June-July, while the foliage tends to fade, large spikes of flowers appear, carried 1 m (3ft) 30 or 1 m (98 or 3ft) 50 above the ground. These spikes gather large flowers 5 cm (2in) long, bilabiate and crumpled, often white, sometimes tinged with pale pinkish purple. Each flower is topped with dull pink spiny bracts, giving a two-tone aspect to the flower head; these bracts add charm to this impressive flowering. Acanthus attracts large pollinating insects, such as bumblebees or carpenter bees. The fruits are shiny capsules containing large seeds. The foliage completely disappears after flowering, reappears in autumn and remains evergreen throughout the winter. This plant spreads from a stump with large fleshy roots, capable of storing water and food reserves during drought periods.

 

Hungarian Acanthus is the hardiest species in the genus; it is easy to grow and can be the most prolific acanthus. This truly magnificent plant is sure not to leave anyone indifferent. In a dry garden, it is a robust and reliable perennial that pairs well with the blue blooms of Caryopteris, Ceratostigma griffithii, Perowskia 'Blue Spire', or Lobelia laxiflora and Epilobium canum in warm tones. It is ideal for adding verticality and volume to perennial flower beds. It is also a beautiful focal plant placed in a natural scene or a large container on the terrace. Like its relatives, Hungarian Acanthus tolerates the root competition of old trees, such as oaks or pines. It can naturalise in old gardens, covering large areas, if happy.

Acanthus hungaricus in pictures

Acanthus hungaricus (Flowering) Flowering
Acanthus hungaricus (Foliage) Foliage
Acanthus hungaricus (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to July
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 5 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 80 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Acanthus

Species

hungaricus

Family

Acanthaceae

Other common names

Hungarian Bear's Breech, Long-Leaved Bear's Breech, Hungarian bear’s breech

Origin

Central Europe

Product reference853011

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Planting and care

The Acanthus hungaricus is hardy to around -15°C (5°F). This plant grows quickly and easily adapts to all types of soil, even clayey and dry soils. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils moist in autumn and spring and tolerates summer drought during its vegetative rest period. It accepts limestone well. This species prefers sunny exposures, sheltered from the wind, but can also tolerate partial shade, where it will grow taller but be less floriferous. Attention, like all Acanthus plants, does not like being moved. If you don't want it to take over the garden, cut the flower stalk as soon as fruiting is finished or remove the fruits: be careful of the thorns; it is advisable to wear gloves! Like all other Acanthus plants, they are susceptible to powdery mildew and are prone to attacks by slugs and snails.

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Planting period

Best planting time March to April, September to October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Back of border, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, draining, fertile

Care

Pruning instructions Cut the faded flowers to prevent spontaneous sowing.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time August to October
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,8/5
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