ACANTHUS MOLLIS

[sodgob]

hi all , i have a long established plant as above.
for many years it as always thrown up long flowering spikes.
last year it did not !.
any suggestions why.
also ... every year the frost as always knocked it back & i have cut it down to ground level, so far this year ..no frost damage, should i still cut it down to ground level ??.
thanks.

[gardening_guru]

Hello

This one has stumped me a bit. But I think the answer might be linked to one of the following questions. Let me know if the answer to any of the following questions is ‘Yes’ and I might be able to offer further assistance.

Is the soil where your Acanthus mollis is planted very rich, having a high quantity of organic matter?
Is the soil poorly drained where the plant is?
Is the plant in full shade?
Is the clump very old and congested?
Has this plant been fed with a fertiliser rich in nitrogen?

If last years foliage is of good quality don’t bother cutting it back.

Regards, George.