Yesterday was the annual trimming back of the ceanothus, as it has finished flowering. Dead patches are appearing, which is not surprising as it’s a short-lived shrub and has been in for eleven years. As always, the trimming allows the acanthus mollis to stand out in full glory. It does well here, sometimes reaching seven foot in height, though this year is a shade under six foot. In both my previous garden in London, and at my mother’s house in the Cotswolds, it struggles to reach four foot.
It’s a statuesque and impressive plant that I’m very fond of, as much because of memories of holidays in Greece and suchlike places whence it originates as for its striking appearance. It can get invasive, but so far the fence, the patio, and the ceanothus bush have managed to keep it within desired bounds.
