Buy bear's breeches Acanthus mollis

Acanthus mollis

bear's breeches

Enormous, deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to 1m long form impressive clumps, from which tall flowerspikes emerge in late summer. These are clothed in white flowers, each with a hood-like purple bract, creating a two-tone effect.

Acanthus mollis is a vigorous perennial that has a striking architectural presence - and the flowers can be used in both fresh and dried arrangements.

How to care for Acanthus mollis:

Plant Acanthus with a handful of well-rotted garden compost mixed with the excavated soil and firm the conditioned soil around the plant and water in well. It thrives best in dappled shade and although it will take full sun, the leaves may scorch.

Slugs and snails love this plant, so pick them off regularly. Plant it as a specimen plant in a mixed border, and give it plenty of room to spread itself out.

To minimise the risk of powdery mildew taking hold ensure that the plant is watered well during hot, dry spells. To rejuvenate and minimise congestion, lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

1.5m

Eventual spread:

0.9m

Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.