Acanthus Species, Armed Bear's Breeches, Spiny Bear's Breeches, Oyster Plant
Acanthusspinosus

Family: Acanthaceae (ah-kanth-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Acanthus (a-KANTH-us)
Species: spinosus (spy-NO-sus)

Synonym:Acanthus caroli-alexandri

Synonym:Acanthus spinosus subsp. spinosissimus

Category

Perennials

Water Requirements

Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure

Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage

Herbaceous
Textured

Foliage Color

Unknown

Height

36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Spacing

24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Hardiness

USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Unknown

Danger

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color

Pink
Medium Purple
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown

Bloom Size

Unknown

Bloom Time

Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer

Other details

Unknown

Soil pH requirements

6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Non-patented

Propagation Methods

From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting

Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed