Acanthus Plants For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Acanthus mollis Plants

Growing flowering plants such as Acanthus Bear’s Breeches delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees
• They are attractive plants with large, glossy leaves and showy flowers.
• They are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for.
• They are tolerant of a variety of soil conditions, including drought and poor soil.
• They can be used to create a sense of privacy in a garden or to add a touch of elegance to a landscape.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have a range of Acanthus mollis bears breeches that are ready for their new home, and we’ll help you find the right acanthus for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown Acanthus plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Acanthus plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Acanthus Plant Questions

1. What is Acanthus?

Acanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including New Zealand. Acanthus are known for their large, glossy leaves and spikes of white or purple flowers.

2. What are the different types of Acanthus plants that grow in New Zealand?

The most common species of Acanthus grown in New Zealand is Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear's breeches. It is a large, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.2 metres tall. It has large, deeply lobed leaves and spikes of white flowers with purple veins in summer.

3. How do I grow Acanthus?

To grow Acanthus, there are a few things you need to get right:

1. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with a well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant. Add compost to the soil to improve fertility and soil conditions.
3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming it in to remove any air pockets.
4. Water the plant well and then regularly until it has established.
5. Mulch around the plant with bark chips or compost to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

4. How do I care for Acanthus plants?

Acanthus are relatively low-maintenance, however, there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and looking their best:

• Water the plants regularly, especially during both summer and extended dry periods. They do become largely drought tolerant after they have been in for a year or two.
• Fertilise the plants in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Remove any dead or diseased leaves and flowers.
• Be on the lookout for pests and diseases. Snails tend to be the main offender, though levels are generally low and don’t warrant any action.

5. What are the common pests and diseases of Acanthus plants in New Zealand?

Acanthus plants are susceptible to a few pests and diseases:

• Aphids
• Whitefly
• Snails
• Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew

They are usually at low levels and do not warrant control unless the damage is significant.

6. How are Acanthus propagated?

Acanthus are typically propagated by division. Simply lift the plant and divide it into two or more sections during spring or autumn. Plant the divisions into soil or into pots and water well. They will normally shoot away within a few weeks.

7. Should I plant Acanthus?

Whether or not you should plant Acanthus depends on a few factors, including your personal preferences, the climate you live in, and the conditions in your garden.

Pros of planting Acanthus:

• Acanthus plants are beautiful and versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden.
• They are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for.
• They are tolerant of a variety of soil conditions, including drought and poor soil.
• They can be used to create a sense of privacy in a garden or to add a touch of elegance to a landscape.

Cons of planting Acanthus:

• Acanthus plants can be slow-growing.
• They are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases.
• They can be invasive in some areas.

If you are considering planting Acanthus, be sure to do your research to make sure that it is right for your garden. For example, they can be quite large, so make sure that you have enough space for them to grow.

8. What is the English name for Acanthus?

The English name for Acanthus is Acanthus. It is a genus of flowering plants in the Acanthaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including New Zealand. The word "acanthus" comes from the Greek word akanthos, which means "thorn". This is a reference to the sharp spines on the leaves of some species of Acanthus.

Acanthus have been cultivated for centuries and used in a variety of ways:

• Ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes
• Medicinal plants
• Food sources for animals
• Sources of dye
• Sources of fibre

They are also a popular motif in art and architecture. The leaves of Acanthus plants can be seen on columns, capitals, and other architectural features in a variety of cultures, including ancient Greece and Rome, the Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

9. How hardy is Acanthus?
Acanthus is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It can grow in full sun or partial shade, and across a wide range of soil conditions. They are drought-tolerant once established and can tolerate heavy frost.

10. Where is the best place to plant Acanthus?

The best place to plant Acanthus is in a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. They can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, but do prefer a well-drained soil. They are also relatively drought-tolerant, but will benefit from regular watering during summer.

Here are some specific suggestions for where you might want to plant Acanthus:

• Against a north-facing wall to provide colour and fantastic foliage.
• Under a deciduous tree, where it will receive some sun in the winter and shade in the summer.
• On a bank where it can spread and cover in the area. A mass planting looks very effective.
• In a cottage garden to blend with other flowering perennials.

No matter where you choose to plant Acanthus, be sure to provide it with well-drained soil and regular watering.

11. Are bear breeches invasive in NZ?

Bear's breeches (Acanthus mollis) is not a legally declared pest plant in New Zealand, but it can still be invasive in some situations. It is a fast-growing, clump-forming perennial that can spread rapidly by seed and root fragments. It can also spread by water, as the seeds are easily dispersed by birds and other animals.

12. How to control Acanthus mollis?

If you want to control Acanthis mollis, there are several things you can do:

• Hand-pulling or digging up the plants. Avoid placing root material into compost bins.
• Mowing or slashing the plants to prevent them from seeding.
• Using herbicides to control the plants.
• Planting other plants to compete with Bear’s Breeches. That will slow its spread.

13. What does the Acanthus symbolize?

Acanthus is a plant that has been used as a symbol for centuries. It is often used to represent immortality, rebirth, and resurrection. The plant's leaves are said to resemble the shape of a crown, which is why it is also sometimes used to symbolize royalty and power.

Acanthus was first used as a symbol in ancient Greece. The Greeks believed that the plant had magical powers, and they used it in their art and architecture. The plant was also used in religious ceremonies, and it was believed to be sacred to the gods. It continued to be used as a symbol in the Roman Empire. The Romans adopted many of the Greek symbols, and they also used the Acanthus to represent their own gods and goddesses. The plant was also used in Roman architecture, and it can be seen on many of the buildings that were built during this time.

Acanthus is still used as a symbol today. The plant is often used in decorative art, and it can also be seen on some coins and stamps. It is a reminder of the power of nature and the beauty of the world around us.

14. What is the myth of the Acanthus?

In Greek mythology, there are two myths associated with the Acanthus plant:

• Acantha

Acantha was a nymph who was loved by the god Apollo. However, Acantha rebuffed Apollo's advances, and he became enraged. In a fit of anger, Apollo transformed Acantha into the Acanthus plant. The plant's spiny leaves are said to represent Acantha's thorns, and its sharp edges are said to represent Apollo's anger.

• Acanthus (son of Autonous)

Acanthus was a young man who was beloved by the god Apollo. Apollo was so fond of Acanthus that he gave him the gift of immortality. However, Acanthus was not happy with this gift. He did not want to live forever without growing old and dying.

Acanthus prayed to Apollo to take his gift back. Apollo granted his wish, and Acanthus was turned into the Acanthus plant. The plant's leaves are said to represent Acanthus's youth, and its blooms are said to represent his immortality.

15. Are Acanthus poisonous?

Acanthus mollis, also known as bear's breeches or acanthus, is a plant that is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans and animals. However, there have been some reports of mild gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, in people who have ingested the leaves or roots of the plant. In large quantities, the plant may also cause skin irritation. It is important to note that the leaves and roots of the plant are the most toxic parts. The flowers are generally considered safe to eat.