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Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis): Architectural Perennial with Glossy Leaves and Towering Flower Spikes

Bear's Breeches

Overview

Bear's breeches is a majestic perennial forming bold clumps of shiny, deeply lobed, dark green leaves up to 3 feet long. In early to mid-summer, it sends up striking 3-foot-tall spires of white flowers clasped by showy purple bracts—a classic architectural element for part-shade borders.

Cultivation

Deep, rich, well-drained soil. Protection from hot afternoon sun. Hardy to zone 7 (evergreen in mild winters). Propagate by seed, division, or root cuttings.

Landscape Uses

Best at the rear of borders for structural impact. Combines with ferns, hostas, and woodland plants. Cottage garden classic.

Other: Acanthus spinosus Not Blooming in Essex, UK: Light Issue; Cultivating Acacia and Acanthus: Tropical Flair for Greenhouse & Garden; Abelia 'Edward Goucher': Compact Semi-Evergreen Shrub with Pink-Purple Flowers; Glossy Abelia (Abelia × grandiflora): Large Fragrant Shrub for Borders and Hedges; Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis): Architectural Perennial with Glossy Leaves and Towering Flower Spikes; Bear's Breeches 'Tasmanian Angel' (Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel'): First Variegated Bear's Breeches; Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis): Chartreuse, Dew-Catching Foliage for Shade and Borders; Witch Hazel 'Pallida' (Hamamelis mollis): Sulfur-Yellow Winter Flowers; Growing Acanthus (Bear's Breeches): Sun, Shade, and Slug Control; Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii): Butterfly and Hummingbird Magnet for Summer

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