Bear's Breech
Acanthus mollis
A clump-forming perennial known for its large, deeply lobed, glossy dark green leaves and tall, architectural flower spikes featuring white flowers with purple bracts.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade; prefers filtered light or afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
- Water
- Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is somewhat drought-tolerant once established but may wilt in extreme heat.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial with a mounding habit; foliage reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide, with flower spikes rising up to 5 feet.
Care instructions
Thrives in partial shade with well-draining soil. Provide regular water during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then water moderately. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; prefers filtered light or afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Watering
Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is somewhat drought-tolerant once established but may wilt in extreme heat.
Soil
Prefers fertile, moist, well-draining loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 7-10; can be grown in zone 6 with winter mulch protection.
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial with a mounding habit; foliage reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide, with flower spikes rising up to 5 feet.
Bloom season
Late spring to mid-summer; produces tall, rigid racemes of two-lipped white flowers hooded by spiny purple-gray bracts.
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring or by root cuttings and division in late autumn or early spring.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Snails and slugs are common pests that target the large foliage. Leaf miner may also occur.
Similar species
Acanthus spinosus (Spiny Bear's Breech), which has more deeply cut, fern-like leaves with sharp spines on the tips, unlike the broader lobes of A. mollis.