Acanthus Pruning

[calda49]

Advice needed please. I have a lovely acanthus, and have cut back the flowering stalks. Next time I went to it there had been an infestation of slugs which have decimated the leaves. Can I cut back the leaves to about 3 ins or will I kill the plant? Also do I do it now and remove the "lacy" leaves or let it over winter and do it in spring. Thanks for any help.

[woofgang]

In my experience you can use a nuclear weapon on acanthus and it will grow back. I'd chop it now so there is nowhere for the slugs to overwinter.

[diddlydo]

I agree - acanthus is a thug! I've tried digging up whole sections of it and new shoots appear in no time.

[Chipchopper]

Make yourself a good strong coffee, scatter the spent coffee grounds around your prized plants, then wait.
Caffeine is like kryptonite to slugs.

[rowanwitch]

Better still go and ask your local coffee shop for some, they are usually happy to give you a bag full

[calda49]

Thank you for all answers. I didn't know about coffee grounds - will try it later; and will cut down the "thug" if it ever stops raining!!