Oyster plant (Bearsfoot)
OYSTER PLANT - Acanthus mollis var. vicioso.
Perennial, 80 cm tall, original flowers. Grown as a garden accent, inflorescence remains ornamental even after blooming. Seeds are large, prior to sowing seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to germinate faster. Seeds are sown into the moist soil. During seed germination watering is important so that the soil do not dry out. Grow best in a sunny location, can grow in partial shade. Resistant to frost, can grow for 3-4 years in the same place.
Perennial growing to 1.2 m by 0.6 m. It is in flower from June to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. We rate it 1 out of 5 for usefulness. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Habitats and Possible Locations: Meadow, Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Ground Cover.
Cultivation details: prefers a deep loamy soil in a sheltered position in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils if they are well-drained but dislikes heavy damp soils and will not overwinter in wet soils. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. Hardy to about -15°C, though young plants may require protection in the winter and even older ones may need protection in cold winters.
A very ornamental plant. The leaves can wilt on hot summer days when plants are grown in full sun. Plants can become invasive, spreading by suckers, and they are difficult to eradicate due to their deep roots. Does well in the lawn or wild garden. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut in the autumn. Members of this genus are not usually browsed by deer.
Propagation Seed: sow spring in a cold frame or outside as soon as the seed is ripe. It usually germinates in 3-4 weeks at +10°C. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for two years before planting out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions. Root cuttings - winter in a coldframe.
Perennial growing to 1.2 m by 0.6 m. It is in flower from June to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. We rate it 1 out of 5 for usefulness. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Habitats and Possible Locations: Meadow, Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Ground Cover.
Cultivation details: prefers a deep loamy soil in a sheltered position in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils if they are well-drained but dislikes heavy damp soils and will not overwinter in wet soils. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. Hardy to about -15°C, though young plants may require protection in the winter and even older ones may need protection in cold winters.
A very ornamental plant. The leaves can wilt on hot summer days when plants are grown in full sun. Plants can become invasive, spreading by suckers, and they are difficult to eradicate due to their deep roots. Does well in the lawn or wild garden. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut in the autumn. Members of this genus are not usually browsed by deer.
Propagation Seed: sow spring in a cold frame or outside as soon as the seed is ripe. It usually germinates in 3-4 weeks at +10°C. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for two years before planting out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions. Root cuttings - winter in a coldframe.
Eng.: Oyster plant, Bears breeches, Sea dock, Bearsfoot.