Acanthus
Bear's breeches
- Height × spread
- 0.35m – 2m × 0.3m – 2m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 30 species of these plants and they are largely found in the Mediterranean. They are valued for their handsome foliage, and leaves of the species Acanthus mollis are often used in architecture to decorate the tops of Corinthian columns. In summer there are chunky columnar flowering spikes that carry many individual hooded blooms that often come from rather spiny bracts. The two forms most commonly seen in gardens are Acanthus mollis and Acanthus cultivars including forms with gold and variegated foliage. The flowers are generally in shades of purple, though there is an aristocratic white flowered variety. Acanthus spinosus and its forms, some with very spiky-looking leaves are also popular. There are a good number of other garden-worthy varieties that include the yellow-flowered Acanthus hirsutus. When established some species can be difficult, if not impossible to remove, so choose their planting position with care.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Green, Grey, Lilac, Pink, Purple, Red, Rose, Silver, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Grey, White, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column, Cone, Dome
- Height
- 0.35m – 2m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Small scale garden, Rock garden, Prairie garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Dry and shady soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Structural, Architectural, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, some leaves are prickly
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided in alternate years. Clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Planting
Divide some varieties differently
Some plant varieties within this genus have different requirements for dividing them when they get big. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for guidance, and/or check the label.
Found in
More Acanthus
Acanthus mollis
Brank-ursine, Artist's acanthus, Oak leafed bear's breeches
Acanthus 'Summer Beauty'
Spiny bear's breeches
Acanthus 'Whitewater'
Whitewater bear's breeches
Acanthus dioscoridis var. perringii
Dioscoridis' bears breeches
Acanthus hirsutus
Hairy bear's breeches
Acanthus hirsutus subsp. syriacus
Syrian hairy bear's breeches
Acanthus hungaricus
Hungarian bear's breeches, Balkan bear's breeches
Acanthus mollis 'Alba'
White oak-leaf bear's breeches