Acanthus mollis
Bear's Breeches
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Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) - Description
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear's breeches or oyster plant, is a herbaceous perennial plant with an underground rhizome in the genus Acanthus. It is regarded as an invasive species in some jurisdictions. [1], [2]
Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) - Blooming
Blooms in spring or summer with dramatic, tall spikes of flowers that can be white, rose or purple. Flowers sit high above foliage are long-lasting, and are spiny and prickly. Cut flowers when they die to keep tidy appearance.
Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) - Growth
Not fussy about sun requirements as they can do well in full sun to full shade. Known to be tough plants. Grows in clumps of spiny leaves that can reach a width of 3'.
Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) - Planting
Bear's Breeches need plenty of room to grow, space 4' to 5' apart. They have spreading roots and can become invasive. Due to their root system, they can grow well on sloped land. Easily propagated by digging and dividing between fall and early spring. Fresh seeds with germinate in a month or so.
Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) - Pest
Prone to snails and slugs.
Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) - Interesting facts
Native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. Some say the Acanthus foliage is the basis of a style of architectural ornamentation that also bears it name. However, others debate this, claiming that the acanthus ornament was based on the palmette, an artistic motif based on palm leaves, and later morphed to look like the acanthus plant. Deer tolerant.
Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) - Soil and irrigation
Grow Acanthus in moist, but well drained soil. It does not tolerate constantly wet soil. Leaves will fall off if they dry out, but will regenerate with sufficient water. To keep them green year round, give adequate water during dry summers.
