Flame Acanthus
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii
Flame acanthus is a perennial, spreading, 3’-5’ deciduous shrub. Branches are somewhat
brittle, but can be hedged. Blooms from June-October. Rainfall triggers blooms. High
drought tolerance.
Planting Sites: Ity grows in well-drained sand, clay, loam, chalk, or limestone soil in part or full sun. It blooms better in
full sun. It can adapt to alternate wet and dry conditions.
Planting Instructions: Dig the hole slightly larger than, but the same depth as, the nursery container. Carefully remove
plant from container and gently loosen any compacted or circling roots around the root ball. Plant at the same depth
as the soil in the container. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
Watering Instructions: Water well after planting, using a root stimulator mixed according to directions. To promote
deep roots that will withstand drought, water deeply whenever the soil has dried to a depth of an inch or two.
Comments: Deer resistant. Does well in large pots. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Larval host of Janais Patch
and Texan Crescentspot butterflies.
Planting and care instructions provided by the
Lindheimer Chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas