Intermediate
skill rating
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Acanthus mollis (Bear's breeches)
2 hours care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Acanthus mollis
Other names
Bear's breeches, Brank ursine, Common bear's breech, Soft-leaved bear's breeches
Genus
Acanthus Acanthus
Species
A. mollis - A. mollis is a clump-forming perennial with shiny, deeply lobed, dark green leaves and erect racemes of white flowers with purple bracts borne on purple-tinted stems in late summer.
Acanthus mollis is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
Flower
Purple, White in Spring; White, Purple in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Powdery mildew Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Cut down old flower stems.
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring or by root cuttings in winter. The easiest way is to divide the roots at any time between autumn and early spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Root cuttings
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Where to grow
Acanthus mollis (Bear's breeches) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean
Cultivation
Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained loam but tolerate most soils. Drought tolerant once established.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Acanthus mollis
Other names
Bear's breeches, Brank ursine, Common bear's breech, Soft-leaved bear's breeches
Genus
Acanthus Acanthus
Species
A. mollis - A. mollis is a clump-forming perennial with shiny, deeply lobed, dark green leaves and erect racemes of white flowers with purple bracts borne on purple-tinted stems in late summer.
Native to
Europe, Mediterranean
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Purple, White in Spring; White, Purple in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Cut down old flower stems.
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring or by root cuttings in winter. The easiest way is to divide the roots at any time between autumn and early spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Root cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Acanthus mollis (Bear's breeches) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean
Cultivation
Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained loam but tolerate most soils. Drought tolerant once established.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
x
Left bed, large leaf, did not flower 2019
July 2015
This plant took a few year to begin flowering. (16/01/2012)
(04/05/2012)
Acanthus, The Walled Garden, Ravenscourt Park, London
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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