Growing Acanthus (Bear's Breeches): Sun, Shade, and Slug Control

Growing Acanthus (Bear's Breeches)

Pronunciation: uh-kan'thus

In the North and on the West Coast, grow in full sun or partial shade in average garden soil. In the South, plant in partial shade with soil that is moist in summer but well-drained in winter. Slugs and snails may chew holes in leaves; control with shallow bowls of beer, diatomaceous earth barriers, or (in the South) mulch with Zoysia lawn clippings. Foliage is evergreen but may look tattered after severe winters. At the limits of cold hardiness (Zone 6, -10°F), mulch heavily in fall.