Description
Acanthus mollis ‘Tasmanian Angel’
Shell pink & creamy white spires of “Bear’s Breeches” flowers, tower over a spectacular foliage clump.
Because each jagged leaf in the clump is mottled with a different pattern of white and emerald green.
So every leaf is an individual work of art on Acanthus mollis ‘Tasmanian Angel’.
An international star
Hence this little Tassie treasure has stolen the hearts of gardeners everywhere, and taken the international gardening world by storm.
Not bad for an accidental find in a Tasmanian garden!
(Scroll down to “Growing” section for plant details, how / where to grow)
Tassie treasure for shade
Acanthus ‘Tasmanian Angel’ prefers some shade, and even full shade, so the gorgeous leaves do not scorch in the sun.
Because some leaves are almost all white, while others are margined with white on emerald green.
So they really do light up a shady garden.
The flowers of ‘Tasmanian Angel’ are also a treat, as they are delicate shades of shell pink, oyster and cream.
A polite Acanthus too
Acanthus mollis ‘Tasmanian Angel’ has a slower growth rate than other Acanthus. And the clump is not invasive or thuggish.
Because the leaves have less chlorophyll (the green bits), the growth is slowed,
Growing: Acanthus mollis ‘Tasmanian Angel’
– Height with flowers: Spires of lovely shell pink and cream flowers to 50cm. approx.
– Width: Wonderful foliage clump to a diameter of 40cm approx.
– Position: So very hardy and adaptable that it can take Sun or Shade, including Deep Shade and Dry Shade.
– Soil: Acanthus mollis ‘Tasmanian Angel’ really does not care. So it can deal with a range of soil types from dry, or sandy, to moist and rich. However it does not enjoy to be waterlogged.
Because Tasmanian Angel’ has a slower growth rate than other Acanthus, it does appreciate more feed and better going than it’s tough cousins.
– Frost: Perfectly hardy in even severe frosts down to -15C approx.
– Growth: Evergreen perennial clump.
– Beneficial for wildlife: Bees, Butterflies, nectar seeking birds, and other beneficial pollinators, all love foraging amongst the “Bear’s Breeches” flowers.
– Deer & Rabbit resistant: Both deer and rabbits prefer other plants. Acanthus is rarely if ever plagued by pests or diseases.
– Care: You can dead head spent flower stems to tidy up after flowering, if needed.
The new golden growth is lovely, so it is worth shearing to the ground in late winter or early spring to promote new foliage growth.
– Fragrant: None.
– Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region from Portugal and northwest Africa east to Croatia.
So this explains it’s very hardy and forgiving nature.
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