|
 Grow
as a specimen plant in broad, spacious borders. |
|
Good
specimen for cutting and drying for floral arrangements.
|
|
Semi-xerophytic, Bear’s Breeches will not tolerate
overwintering in wet soil.
|
|
Divide and replant established clumps in early autumn
through spring. |
|
|
References: RHS, Brooklyn
Botanical, Dirr |
|
at
a glance:
Plant type:
Herbaceous perennial
Family:
Acanthaceae
Height/Spread:
: 5 ft. x 3ft. (basal leaves).
Common Name: Bear’s
Breeches
Leaves: : Basal growth, dark
green, oblong-lanceolate to broadly ovate with spines on the margin,
to 36 in. long.
Flowers:
:
Racemes to 3 ft. tall,
pure white with purple bracts.
Conditions: Grows in
any soil in full sun to partial shade. Thrives in deep, fertile,
well-drained soil.
Disease/pests: Powdery
mildew. Also susceptible to slug and snail attack.
Bloom Period: Late
spring to mid summer.
Natural Range: Italy to
Western Turkey
Hardiness: USDA zones: 8 – 9
Other
Cultivars/species: Acanthus mollis ‘New Zealand Gold’,
‘Fielding Gold’, Acanthus spinosus ‘Spinosissimus Group’ |
