Perennial

Bear’s Breeches

Acanthus mollis

Bold glossy leaves and tall flower spikes give a hardy border a lush, exotic feel.

  • Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
  • 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
  • 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
  • H6
  • June–August
  • Deciduous

Overview

A robust perennial with spreading foliage and upright summer flowers. It is hardy across the UK and copes with dry conditions after establishment. Leaves can persist in mild winters. Choose a permanent position: root fragments readily regrow and removal can be difficult. Avoid persistently wet winter soil. Source: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/155/acanthus-mollis/details

At a Glance

Sun Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Height 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
Spread 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
Hardiness H6
Flowers June–August
Soil Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Clump forming
Water Low
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -20°C (-4°F)
Fertility Fertile
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • North-facing
  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Exposed sites
  • Drought

Soil Tolerance

  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Deciduous
Colour Green
Leaf shape / texture Deeply lobed
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: May–October

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Propagate
  • Flowering Jun Jul Aug
  • Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Propagate Mar Apr Nov

Maintenance Calendar

  • Mar Remove winter-damaged foliage
  • Apr Add compost around established clumps
  • Aug Cut spent stems before seed dispersal if spread is unwanted
  • Sep Check spread and look for powdery mildew in dry weather

Garden Design

Works well in: Contemporary, Cottage, Tropical, Woodland

Use as substantial ground-level foliage where its spread can be managed. Cut flower stems before seed ripens if seedlings are unwanted. Ratings for wildlife, tropical appearance and architecture are editorial estimates on a 1-5 scale. Spacing and care months are UK planning guides; adjust to local conditions.

Companion planting: Palms, Grasses, Ferns

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Shelter
  • Food source

Safety

Flower bracts can be prickly; wear gloves when cutting stems. Blank toxicity flags mean unverified, not confirmed safe.