Acanthus mollis

Common name: bear's breeches
Acanthus mollis
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Type:
Herbaceous perennial
USDA hardiness zones:
7-10

This species of bears breeches is a clump-forming perennial that is grown as much for its attractive foliage as for its architecturally bold flower spikes. It is native to the Mediterranean region. Creamy white (sometimes pink) snapdragon-like flowers, each hooded and subtended by spiny reddish-purple bracts, bloom in late spring to midsummer in vertical rows on substantial flower spikes that rise well above the foliage mound to 3-5 tall. Deeply lobed, soft-spiny, glossy dark green leaves (to 2 long) form a mound of basal foliage. Acanthus leaves have a classical appearance and were the source... more »

  • Full sun to part shade
  • Medium
  • Medium

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10 where it is easily grown in average, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plants tolerate a wide range of soils except poorly-drained ones. Plants may not flower well in too much shade. Late spring frosts can impair or eliminate flowering for the year. Remove flowering stalks after bloom. In cold winter areas, plant foliage should be left in place over winter but removed in early spring as new foliage appears. Plants can spread aggressively by creeping rootstocks, particularly in loose soils. Unwanted spread can be addressed by root barriers. Plants generally spread less in the northern parts of their growing range. Plants are best propagated from root cuttings taken in early spring, but may be grown from seed. Plants can be slow to establish in the garden (particularly if started from seed), but become somewhat difficult to eradicate once established since small sections of root left behind can sprout new plants. This plant is not reliably winter hardy to the St. Louis area. If attempted in St. Louis, it should be sited in a protected location and mulched.

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lfin replied over 2 years ago
On the YGS Facebook page 'What Plant is This" (2/18/2011) Immortalized in 427 AD- a flourish atop the 'bundled reeds' or "fascia" of the newest Greek column- this ephemeral ornamental is symbol of the Vestal Virgins in Rome. Shade-grown, in bloom it looks like a fountain. It's shiny, spiked leaves are ground and used as an emollient to relieve skin inflammations.It's common name in various languages is associated with bears and oysters-but no one is quite sure why! Name it!

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