Acanthus mollis (Bear’s Breeches)

Acanthus mollis (Bear’s Breeches)

Plant Description

Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear’s Breeches, is a striking perennial known for its large, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves and tall flower spikes that bear elegant, hooded purple and white flowers. This architectural plant is often used in ornamental gardens for its bold foliage and dramatic floral display. Its leaves were famously used as a motif in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, particularly in Corinthian columns.

Native Range

Native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe and North Africa, where it thrives in warm, dry climates.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Zones: 7–10 (Can be grown in cooler climates with winter protection)

Size

Height: 3–5 feet tall (including flower spikes)
Width: 2–4 feet wide

Light Requirements

Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, partial shade is ideal to prevent leaf scorch.

Soil Requirements

Grows best in well-draining, fertile, loamy soil with moderate moisture. Prefers a pH range of 6.5–7.5. Tolerates dry conditions once established but does not thrive in heavy, wet soils.

Watering Needs

Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant, but prolonged dry conditions may cause summer dormancy.

Humidity & Temperature

Prefers moderate to warm temperatures. It is semi-evergreen in mild climates but may die back in winter in cooler zones, returning in spring.
Tolerates low to moderate humidity.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 5-10-10) in early spring and midsummer to encourage strong growth and flowering. Too much nitrogen may lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Uses

Ornamental Borders & Cottage Gardens: Adds dramatic foliage and flower spikes.

Mediterranean & Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Works well in low-water landscapes.

Architectural Interest: Provides bold structure in mixed perennial beds.

Wildlife Garden: Attracts bees and pollinators.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract snails and slugs, which can chew holes in leaves. Use organic slug bait or hand-picking to control them.
Diseases: Can develop powdery mildew in humid conditions—ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Spreading Habit: Can be aggressive in some areas—contain growth by removing unwanted shoots.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.