Whitewater Oyster Plant

Whitewater Oyster Plant (Acanthus 'Whitewater') is a compact acanthus with large, ruffled, evergreen leaves heavily patterned in white. In summer it sends up tall white to pale pink flower spikes, taking the plant to about 1.5m high in flower and 1m wide. Gardeners also know acanthus as bear's breeches. It is the architectural leaf plant for borders, shady corners and big containers.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage with presence. The big, ruffled leaves are heavily patterned in white and stay on the plant all year.
• Tall summer flowers. White to pale pink spikes rise above the leaves through summer, on stems that are pale as well.
• Sun or part shade. It grows from full sun to part shade and flowers more in full sun, which makes it useful where other perennials sulk.
• Hardy once settled. Reasonably drought tolerant and frost hardy, and suited to most soils.
• Compact and tidy. About 1m wide in flower, it fits a border or a large pot without taking over.

Where it works best

Understorey planting. Under trees and tall shrubs the white pattern lifts a gloomy bed. Give it as much light as the position allows, because the white develops best with more light.

Mixed borders and feature planting. Plant 80cm apart as a bold foreground or a focal point among finer leaved perennials in a cottage style border.

Large containers. A big pot shows off the leaf shape. Use a quality potting mix and water regularly.

Growing Whitewater Oyster Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with more flowers in full sun. It copes with deeper shade, though with fewer flowers and less white. It suits most climates if given enough rain or water, and it is frost hardy. In hot, dry inland gardens, give it afternoon shade and water in summer.

Soil. It suits most soils, alkaline soils included, as long as it gets enough water.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks until established, after which it is reasonably drought tolerant. Feed once a year with a slow release fertiliser to keep the growth lush.

Pruning. Remove spent flower stems as required, and tidy any tired leaves at the base.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Whitewater Oyster Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The amount of white marking can vary on young tube stock. The pattern develops as the plant matures and with more light, so plant it in a bright position and give it a season to show its true character.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for partial shade
• Plants that thrive in large pots
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• Shade gardening in Australia: what to plant where

Common questions

Will the leaves be white straight away?

Not always. The white marking on tube stock varies, and it develops as the plant matures and with more light. A bright position gives the best pattern.

How tall are the flower spikes?

The plant reaches about 1.5m in flower, with white to pale pink spikes through summer. Remove the spent flowers as required to keep it tidy.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, large containers show it off well. Choose a big pot, use a quality potting mix and water regularly, with a slow release fertiliser once a year.