Acanthus mollis Whitewater

Common Name: Whitewater Bear's Breeches

Description: Acanthus mollis 'Whitewater', commonly known as Whitewater Bear's Breeches, is a striking perennial prized for its bold, variegated foliage and architectural presence. This clump-forming plant features large, deeply cut dark green leaves adorned with creamy-white margins and splashes, creating a luminous effect in shaded garden areas. During summer, 'Whitewater' produces tall, erect flower spikes reaching up to 1.2 meters, showcasing pink and cream, funnel-shaped flowers with hood-like purple bracts. This cultivar thrives in part shade to full shade conditions and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It's an excellent choice for adding texture and interest to mixed borders, woodland gardens, or as a focal point in shaded areas. 'Whitewater' is also valued for its resilience, demonstrating good tolerance to heat and humidity, making it well-suited for Melbourne's climate. Regular watering during dry periods will support optimal growth, and while it's a vigorous grower, it's advisable to monitor its spread in the garden.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: Approximately 1.2 meters
• Width: Approximately 1.2 meters

Aspect:

• Part Shade
• Full Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• Pink and Cream

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Disease Resistant
• Perennial
• Heat Tolerant
• Humidity Tolerant
• Architectural Foliage

Toxicity: No known toxicity to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:

• Hosta (Hosta spp.)
• Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
• Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
• Ferns (Dryopteris spp.)
• Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)