Acanthus mollis
bears breeches
( ACANTHACEAE )  bear's breeches

These plants are unsurpassed for the strong, sculptural effects they create with mounds of long dark green arching foliage. The plant has large oblong leaves which can be variously cut, lobed, or even deeply pinnately divided.

The irregular and unusual flowers form on stiff erect spikes well above the foliage. The corolla is tubular, with a large 3-lobed lower lip. It is suspended by spine-tipped bracts and a large calyx lobe; another enlarged calyx lobe forms a hood.

Acanthus usually flower in late spring to early summer in the warmer regions, and midsummer elsewhere. Flowers can be white, lilac-pink or purple tinged.


CULTURE / CARE
  • PLANT IN ORDINARY GARDEN SOIL
  • MUST BE WELL-DRAINED
  • FULL SUN TO PART SHADE
  • GROWS 3-4 FEET TALL
  • MULCH WELL IN COLDER ZONES
  • PROVIDE SOME SHADE IN HOTTEST AREAS
  • SLUGS AND SNAILS CAN BE A PROBLEM
  • THEY DON'T LIKE WET WINTER CONDITIONS
  • TAKE ROOT CUTTINGS/DIVISIONS IN SPRING
  • HARDY IN ZONES 7 - 10 (US)

CULTIVARS, SPECIES & VARIETIES
  • Acanthus balcanicus
  • Acanthus dioscoridid
  • Acanthus hirsutus
  • Acanthus latifolius
  • Acanthus longifolius
  • Acanthus lusitanicus
  • Acanthus mollis
  • Acanthus spinosissimus
  • Acanthus spinosus
  • Acanthus syriacus