Id-Code: AA 012
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: Balkans, Romania and Greece
Special Features: Exquisite, dark green basal leaves with stiff flower stalks and hooded blossoms which are pinkish-white flushed with mauve
History: The leaves of Bear's Breeches were said to have been the model for the ornamental on Corinthian columns
Colour: Pinkish-white flushed with mauve
Natural Flowering Period: June - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z6-8
Growth Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Dark green leaves with toothed edges cut into segments to the mid-rib
Height with Flower: 75 cm (30'')
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm (30'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained, gravelly soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Partial shade
Use: A great perennial for massing as a groundcover in partially shady sites with Bergenia 'Winterglut', Chasmanthium latifolium and Heuchera 'Dale's Strain'
Specialities: A plant of architectural merit
Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 200
Seeds per Gram: 5
Seeding Recommendation: 600 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): open flats
Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) (about 64 to 72°F) and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C) (between 25 and 39°F) for another 4-6 weeks.
These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Lower temperatures of less than +5°C (41°F) are very effective. Seed trays should not be discarded prematurely. Constant moisture must be maintained. Do not leave in direct sunlight.
It is not so important if the temperature is higher of lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, homonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill.
It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling period. After this cooling period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F), even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.
Scheduling:
Growing On:
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 6 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut-back once to keep more compact
Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2-3 plugs per 15 cm (6'')
Vernalization: There is no current research on vernalization but a prudent recommendation for any perennial would be 6-12 weeks (a few might need 15 weeks!) at an average daily temperature of 40°F (5°C). Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: This species is not a suitable candidate for forcing.
Fertilization: Light (100-150 ppm)
