Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Acanthus mollis
Bear’s Breeches
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Pinkish-purple with white or yellow markings
- Foliage color
- Dark green, glossy
- Bloom time
- Summer
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear's Breeches, is a striking perennial prized for its ornamental foliage and tall flower spikes. Native to the Mediterranean, it forms large clumps of dark green, glossy, deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long and 1 foot wide, creating a dramatic effect in the garden. In summer, it produces tall, erect flower spikes reaching heights of 3 to 4 feet, adorned with hooded, pinkish-purple flowers with white or yellow markings, which attract bees and other pollinators. Thriving in partial to full shade, Acanthus mollis is a low-maintenance plant that adds elegance and drama to shaded garden areas, borders, and woodland gardens.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens
Companion plants
Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
