Acanthus 'Hollard's Gold'

Topped by strong and colourful flower spikes, the Acanthus accentuates the garden with its wonderful architectural form. The chartreuse leaves have hints of gold and blushes of green adding a lovely freshness wherever it is grown. The foliage mound grows to just under a metre high and wide and the flower stems stretch up to a metre and a half.

These mighty plants will tough out pretty much any conditions; dry tolerant, shade tolerant, low maintenance, poor soils aren’t a problem for these soldiers. Dry shade – those two words can be a gardeners nightmare, this plant is one solution to the problem (don’t forget you still have to water regularly until they are established). You will get the best colouring with protection from the hot afternoon sun.

The Acanthus or, as it is commonly known, Bear’s Breeches, is a striking choice for any garden. It’s fabulous, glossy foliage has long been the source of inspirational design, it is famously inscribed in ancient architecture, artworks and insignias and it is easy to see why. Don’t panic, while the common name is the same as the rampant old form, it is much more mild mannered and lacks the desire to invade. Instead you will need to work at it through division.

One of the best things about this plant is it will just about anywhere and almost thrive on neglect! Plant Acanthus ‘Hollard’s Gold’ in full sun to shade. It will grow in poor to humus rich soils and once established is dry tolerant.