By Valatwell
Essex,
United Kingdom 
Can anybody tell me how to get rid of Acanthus Spinosa, they have self seeded all over the place and I can't seem to get rid of them. I do love the plant but the winds and rain make them very shabby looking and covered in mildew. The leaves go brown and die, but new plants come up. I have a feeling I'm never going to be able to kill the ones I don't want. Any help would be gratefully received!
19 Sep, 2011
Answers
I've been trying to avoid the weedkiller solution by determined digging but have just noticed two new shoots. It doesn't give up easily! the trouble is those deep but brittle roots isn't it?
19 Sep, 2011
It is a real menace! I have the same problem at the bottom of my garden I thought I had dug all the bits out, but 2 years on there is more than ever!! Weedkiller may be the only solution I think. Now...where did I put that sprayer....
20 Sep, 2011
Thank you all for your replies. I have put weedkiller on and they have regrown, so I'll take your advice and keep spraying any new growth until it dies!
21 Sep, 2011
This is a plant, like dandelions, that regrows from the smallest piece of root left in the ground. Really, the only way to get rid of it is to treat regrowth with a systemic weedkiller. It will take several applications but you'll win in the end (I know, because I did manage to kill an established plant by this method a few years ago)
19 Sep, 2011