May I ask Nutcutlet about the Acanthus regarding it's roots? Its quite near other stuff (as you may be able to see from the photo). Should I be very concerned? Its about 18" from a fern and in the other direction about 18" from some shorter orangey Montbretias.
I would say Acanthus spinosus. Mine has several spikes and is about 4 ft tall. It spreads. If it seeds the seedlings are dreadful to dig out. Once you've got ,you've got it for life.Mine has a spread of about 4 ft cross despite hacking out lumps most years. Burglars don't like it however. My sister has some one who kept hopping over her fence as a shortcut from the pub, until one was strategically placed. They go the long way round now
I picked several heads after they had flowered one year and sprayed them with gold paint to use as christmas decorations In the warmth of the living room the seeds popped off every so often with a little explosoion and caterpulted across the room - entertaining!
Crumbs. This is a monster plant which scares off burglars, deters trespassers, can't be eradicated, has explosive seeds and turns into a MONSTER if you leave it long enough. Are you guys winding me up cos Im new to this forum ;o)
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Good idea KEF. I love swapping plants.
In the sticks near Peterborough
May I ask Nutcutlet about the Acanthus regarding it's roots? Its quite near other stuff (as you may be able to see from the photo). Should I be very concerned? Its about 18" from a fern and in the other direction about 18" from some shorter orangey Montbretias.
Many thanks,
The Grateful Deadhead
I wouldn't worry too much. It's not ground elder
It's the sort of plant that if you move it, it's still there. You have 2 clumps. But it doesn't take over the garden.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I would say Acanthus spinosus. Mine has several spikes and is about 4 ft tall. It spreads. If it seeds the seedlings are dreadful to dig out. Once you've got ,you've got it for life.Mine has a spread of about 4 ft cross despite hacking out lumps most years. Burglars don't like it however. My sister has some one who kept hopping over her fence as a shortcut from the pub, until one was strategically placed. They go the long way round now
I also have Acanthus spinosissimus which has much pricklier leaves. Its not died but its never flowered for me. Maybe I'll move it.
This is what to expect. This is a 15 year old clump.
Lovely
In the sticks near Peterborough
I picked several heads after they had flowered one year and sprayed them with gold paint to use as christmas decorations In the warmth of the living room the seeds popped off every so often with a little explosoion and caterpulted across the room - entertaining!
LOL
reminds me of when someone gave me some euphorbia heads for seed gg. I put them in my pocket and as they warmed up I could feel them exploding
In the sticks near Peterborough
Crumbs. This is a monster plant which scares off burglars, deters trespassers, can't be eradicated, has explosive seeds and turns into a MONSTER if you leave it long enough. Are you guys winding me up cos Im new to this forum ;o)