Bear’s breeches creates clear accents with powerful leaves and tall flower spikes
Bear’s breeches is an imposing, architecturally striking perennial whose large leaf rosettes and upright flower stems immediately catch the eye, even in richly planted beds.
Acanthus mollis forms strong clumps of glossy, dark green, deeply lobed leaves. In summer, stately flower stems rise from the low basal rosette, bearing whitish to soft pinkish lip-shaped flowers and purple-violet bracts. The tall flower spikes bring a clear vertical structure to the garden and are visited by bees, bumblebees and other insects.
Bear’s breeches is particularly impressive as a specimen plant in front of dark shrubs, hedges or house walls. It also creates powerful accents in large perennial beds, on warm woodland edges and in Mediterranean or classically designed gardens. Because of its spreading growth, it should be given enough space. In large planters, it can also shape terraces, patios or sheltered courtyard areas.
The distinctive shape of acanthus leaves has a long cultural history. In antiquity, it already served as a model for the ornamental leaf motifs of Corinthian columns and remains a defining element of classical architecture to this day. In the garden too, the plant develops this timeless, sculptural effect. The long-lasting flower stems can also be used for cut flowers and floral arrangements.
Sowing & care of bear’s breeches
The large seeds of bear’s breeches can be started indoors from March. To support germination, it is advisable to soak the seeds in lukewarm water overnight before sowing. Then place them about 1 to 2 cm deep in moist, well-drained seed compost, as they need darkness to germinate. At temperatures of around 15 to 20 °C, keep the substrate evenly moist, but not wet. Germination can be irregular and may take several weeks to up to three months. Fluctuations in temperature and moisture can help support the germination process.
Direct sowing is possible from May. Alternatively, the seeds can be sown in late summer or autumn and exposed to natural winter temperature fluctuations. Plant young plants in their final position after the last harder frosts. Bear’s breeches prefers a sunny to partially shaded, warm and sheltered position. It flowers particularly reliably in sunny locations.
The soil should be nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well drained. Waterlogging, especially in winter, should be avoided. A planting distance of around 60 to 80 cm gives the large leaf rosettes enough space. Well-established plants tolerate temporary drought, but should be watered regularly during longer hot periods. In exposed locations, light winter protection is advisable. Plants grown in containers need especially good protection from frost and winter wet.
Other names
| Botanical name: |
Acanthus mollis |
| German names: |
Weiche Bärentatze, Weicher Akanthus, Wahrer Bärenklau, Weicher Bärenklau |
| French names: |
Acanthe molle, Acanthe à feuilles molles |
| English names: |
Bear’s breeches, Bear’s breech |
| Spanish names: |
Acanto, Acanto común |
| Italian names: |
Acanto comune, Acanto |
| Dutch names: |
Zachte acanthus, Acanthus |
