bear's breeches
Acanthus spinosus
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Pink - mauve
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Bear's breeches (Acanthus spinosus) is a clumping perennial for borders, cut flower use, and accents. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun, average moisture, and most soil types. Rabbits rarely make it their first choice. Pink-mauve flowers open in early to late spring and again in early to late summer. Butterflies visit the blooms, and the plant handles dry spells well.
Pairs well with Peony, Karl Foerster feather reed grass, and Gladiolus.
Native range
Mediterranean.