Acanthus 'Morning Candle'

Ever heard of a Spark Bird? It’s a term used by the birding community for the bird, moment, or experience that hooks someone into their passion for birding. Birders know and talk about their spark bird experiences and even those of famous birders.Bear’s breeches ‘Morning Candle’ is a spark plant for us! It is so spectacular and remarkable that even the most novice of gardeners is immediately hooked and wants to get growing!

It is like nothing else. Sizable, hooded white flowers are protected by prickly purple bracts that bloom in tall stately spikes from early summer to fall. It’s great in groupings along a border or as a standout statement plant.

It's a fantastic plant to grow as well. It can handle the heat! It can handle a good range of sun from full shade to full sun (preferably morning sun with relief from afternoon sun). Additionally, shade-lovers are still super easy to plant at this time of year because they have relief from the hottest of the sun’s rays. And as it is still raining a lot this year, the ground is pretty moist and ready. Keeping it watered in should be just fine.

General Growing Info:

• Type: Perennial

• USDA Growing Zones: 6-9

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade -- appreciates relief from hot afternoon sun 

• Size: 20-30'' tall and wide

• Soil Needs: While it can tolerate various soil types, including heavy clay, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot

• Care: Protect for the first winter with a deep mulch of leaves in late fall. Prune fading bloom spikes for another round of blooms and/or more energy toward growth/roots.

  
  

This year's crop of Bear’s Breeches were grown from well-developed bare roots so they will reach maturity faster. This is a bonus, as Bear's Breeches are one of those perennials that "sleep" the first year (getting healthy roots established), "creep" the second year (start to fill out and bloom), and finally "leap" the third year (reaching mature size and bloom power).

And don’t forget that we’ve got 25% off all perennials this week so these large specimens are now $15.00 until Sunday!

This final week things can sell down fast - so come get your spark plant soon!