Acanthus, Bear's Breeches, Variegated Acanthus 'Whitewater'

Acanthus

Family
Acanthaceae (ah-kanth-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Acanthus (a-KANTH-us)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade
Full Shade
Foliage
Good Fall Color
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
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)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Pink
Magenta (pink-purple)
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for cutting
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Patented
Propagation Methods
Seed Collecting
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Berkeley, California

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Atlanta, Georgia

Deridder, Louisiana

Natchez, Mississippi

Indian Trail, North Carolina

Salt Lake City, Utah

Leesburg, Virginia

Bothell, Washington

Renton, Washington

Sequim, Washington

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
4
neutrals
1
negative
Sort By:
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A
A
Sequim, WA | August 2016 | positive

The plant has been a delightful performer, potted and in a mostly shaded area of my front porch. This is its third year in this location...Read More

K
K
San Leandro, CA (Zone 9b) | August 2016 | neutral

I was wondering what the difference was between this cultivar and Acanthus mollis TASMANIAN ANGEL®.since visually to me they are so simi...Read More

T
Hemby Bridge, NC | May 2016 | negative

I have attempted to grow this plant several times over the past few years. It has been my experience that it struggles to come back each ...Read More

B
Charlotte, NC | May 2014 | positive

Got one this spring looking great so far.

A
Olympia, WA | August 2013 | neutral

Has anyone had this plant revert back to a non variegated form? I have had that happen to a couple of different variegated forms of other...Read More

G
Carpinteria, CA | March 2012 | neutral

Acanthus 'Whitewater'
I was advised today (3-15-12) by an online retail nursery that there is no significant difference between A....Read More

S
Norristown, PA (Zone 6b) | November 2009 | neutral

Bred with Acanthus Summer Beauty for vigor, hardiness, heat and humidity tolerence. Prefers deep fertile, moist, well drained soil. Good ...Read More

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