7g Acanthus - Bear's Breeches
Acanthus mollis

Grows 3' - 6' ht. with flower spikes x 2' - 3' sp.

Looking like it just jumped out of a Jurrasic Park movie, this is one powerful plant, creating a structural focal point in any garden or landscape.  This clumping, herbaceous perennial with its large, pointed but soft leaves, shoots off a purple and white architecturally bold flower stalk in mid to late spring that is truly stunning, resembling snapdragons.  The glossy leaves are large and deeply lobed making the plant attractive even when not in bloom. 

Bear's Breeches prefers fertile, well-drained soils and are tolerant of most soil types except wet ones. It will grow in full sun to partial shade and will do better with some shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. It is drought tolerant once established.

According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, Acanthus leaves have a classical appearance and were the source of the Corinthian leaf motif developed and used as a decoration in ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture.  However, there appears to be no scholarly agreement among authorities on the origin and meaning of the term Bear’s Breeches.

Photo Credit:  The JC Raulston Arboretum; Architectural Plants 

• Showy Flower, Colorful, Low Maintenance, Long Blooming,
• Hardy in zones 7-10
• Part Shade,