About Acanthus (Bear’s Breeches)
It is hard to miss seeing Acanthus (bear’s breeches) in a garden. Native to the Mediterranean region and northwest Africa, this herbaceous perennial is hardy and thrives in Pacific Northwest gardens. Also referred to as Spiny Bear’s Breeches or Armed Bear’s Breeches, it is a low maintenance plant that is deer resistant. It is a bold-textured accent plant that looks stunning at the front border with rhododendrons. The hooded flowers are long-lasting, blooming late spring or early summer and appearing through to the end of summer. With a few care tips and a guide on how to plant and grow bear’s breeches, this tall and striking plant looks beautiful in summer garden borders.
The bold foliage of the bear’s breeches makes an attractive backdrop in the garden bed, with the tall flower spikes varying in shades from white to purple. Historically, the Acanthus foliage is reported to be the inspiration for the Corinthian leaf emblem in Greek and Roman classical architecture.
Garden Location Tip Before Planting Bear’s Breeches
While bear’s breeches may be listed as non-invasive, its aggressive growth could make it potentially invasive as it can easily spread when planted in the ideal location. This is both good and bad, but there are ways around limiting their spread if this is a concern.
Their roots are tough and can take a firm hold, making it difficult to remove if planted in the wrong place in the garden. It is also a big plant. Study first the location before planting it. Bear’s breeches need space to spread. Consider a walled garden bed or adding a barrier that is about 25 cm (10 inches) deep to confine their roots to just where you wish it to grow. View the garden placement of the bear’s breeches as permanent, since removing the roots is very hard, and any root left behind will likely shoot a new plant. It can also be planted in a large pot for a more controlled approach or used in attractive container gardening.
More details below on how to plant and annual maintenance care.
Bear’s Breeches At A Glance
Type: Herbaceous Perennial (though some larger leaves may remain attractive over winter)
Location: Sun to Part Shade
Blooming Season: Summer
Size: Varies – up to 120 x 90 cm (4 x 3 feet)
Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
Where To Plant And How To Grow Bear’s Breeches
The bear’s breeches is not a fussy plant and can tolerate most soil types so long as it drains well. Young plants should be planted in the spring. Some varieties can tolerate a part shady site but most varieties need a sunny location to flower. And take note of the spot where it can spread. Please refer to the garden location tip above for containing root spread if that is important for you.
In Autumn cut back the flowers to tidy up the area. While roots are strong, they do not tolerate frozen soil that may be experienced in colder regions. Cover with mulch for winter protection or consider the A. Spinosus (see below), which is more cold-hardy. Winter maintenance is minimal. Late winter or early spring remove any remaining dead foliage, add some top compost before regrowth starts again.
Large clumps can be divided in spring, or in winter use root cuttings for developing new plants.
Bear’s breeches have soft spines or prickles, so a pair of gardening gloves makes planting or pruning jobs much more comfortable. It is generally pest and disease-free. Though slugs may nibble on new tender growth in spring.
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Recommended Acanthus Species
Acanthus mollis – The foliage of the A. mollis is beautiful in its own right, and along with tall flower spikes in mauve and white, it is a popular choice. The ‘Holland’s God’ is a beautiful variety with luminous golden-green foliage. The flower spikes are white to light purple in colour which begin to appear early summer.
Acanthus spinosus – The A. spinosus is perhaps more stunning with large spiky thistle-like leaves. The flower spikes are of similar colour with a slightly paler mauve and white. It is the hardiest of the Acanthus species
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