Acanthus mollis

Acanthus mollis is a big and bold plant. It has some of the finest foliage in the plant kingdom. The large deeply lobed leaves are accompanied by 3-foot tall racemes. Each raceme is loaded with white flowers and purple shaded bracts. The leaves have been an inspiration for many important architectural designs. Bear's Breeches is a great alternative to Hosta in the shade border and looks nice in small groups.

Uses: Borders, Flower Beds, Landscapes, Mass Planting, Specimen, Woodland Gardens
Nature Attraction: Bees
Critter Resistance: Deer, Rabbits
Notable Features: Cut Flowers, Large & Architectural Form
Growth Habit: Mounding, Clumping

Homeowner Growing Tips: Grow in morning sun or dappled shade, in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Deadhead after blooming. In the north, grow in a protected location and apply a winter mulch. Spent foliage should be removed in early spring. Apply slug & snail bait, if they become a problem. Can spread enthusiastically in areas with optimum conditions; more well-behaved in cool northern climates.