Spine Acanthus
Acanthus spinosus
- Native to:
- Albania, Bulgaria, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Kriti, NW. Balkan Pen., Türkiye
Magnus Manske,MurielBendel,Pierpao,Stan Shebs,Photo by David J. Stang,Photo by David J. Stang,Photo by David J. Stang,Photo by David J. Stang,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova,J. Sibthorp, J.E. Smith
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Acanthaceae
- Genus:
- Acanthus
- Species:
- Acanthus spinosus
- USDA Symbol:
- ACSP7
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers calcareous soils in native habitat
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 21–90 days
- Notes:
- Germination can be erratic and slow. Fresh seed germinates better than stored seed. Keep soil consistently moist during germination period.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.