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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Acanthus mollis

Bear’s Breeches

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)