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5 Seeds Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis), Ornamental Perennial Plant
Add classic elegance to your garden with Acanthus mollis, also known as Bear’s Breeches. This striking herbaceous perennial is beloved for its lush, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves and towering floral spikes. Native to the Mediterranean, Acanthus mollis makes a bold statement with foliage reaching up to 2 feet long and flower stalks that soar 3 to 5 feet above the plant.
In summer, it produces dramatic spikes of creamy white to pinkish-purple snapdragon-like flowers, accented by showy reddish-purple bracts. The foliage alone is a conversation piece, once the inspiration for ancient Greek and Roman Corinthian column designs.
Key Features:
Zones: 7–10
Growth Rate: Moderate to slow
Height: 3 to 5 ft
Spread: 2 to 3 ft
Bloom Time: June–July
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water Needs: Medium
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Maintenance: Medium
Bloom Color: Creamy white to pink, with purple calyces
Foliage: Large, glossy, dark green, deeply lobed leaves
Garden Uses:
Excellent as a focal point in borders, courtyard gardens, or paired with hostas and ferns for dramatic contrast. Perfect for formal gardens and architectural planting schemes.
Cultural Tips:
Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil.
Tolerates a variety of soils except poorly-drained.
Can be vigorous in ideal conditions—use root barriers if spreading is an issue.
Remove old stalks post-bloom.
In cold areas, leave foliage over winter and trim in spring.
Sowing Instructions for Acanthus mollis:
Scarify: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
Stratify: Not required.
Germination: Sow 1/4” deep. Keep warm and consistently moist (not wet).
Seed Information:
Pack contains 5 seeds
Seeds are open-pollinated (not a specific cultivar)
Seeds have not been pretreated unless noted
Note: While this guide offers a helpful overview, germination success can vary by technique and environment. Refer to trusted gardening resources for best practices suited to your climate.
Bring timeless structure and Mediterranean beauty to your garden—plant Bear’s Breeches today!
In summer, it produces dramatic spikes of creamy white to pinkish-purple snapdragon-like flowers, accented by showy reddish-purple bracts. The foliage alone is a conversation piece, once the inspiration for ancient Greek and Roman Corinthian column designs.
Key Features:
Zones: 7–10
Growth Rate: Moderate to slow
Height: 3 to 5 ft
Spread: 2 to 3 ft
Bloom Time: June–July
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water Needs: Medium
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Maintenance: Medium
Bloom Color: Creamy white to pink, with purple calyces
Foliage: Large, glossy, dark green, deeply lobed leaves
Garden Uses:
Excellent as a focal point in borders, courtyard gardens, or paired with hostas and ferns for dramatic contrast. Perfect for formal gardens and architectural planting schemes.
Cultural Tips:
Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil.
Tolerates a variety of soils except poorly-drained.
Can be vigorous in ideal conditions—use root barriers if spreading is an issue.
Remove old stalks post-bloom.
In cold areas, leave foliage over winter and trim in spring.
Sowing Instructions for Acanthus mollis:
Scarify: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
Stratify: Not required.
Germination: Sow 1/4” deep. Keep warm and consistently moist (not wet).
Seed Information:
Pack contains 5 seeds
Seeds are open-pollinated (not a specific cultivar)
Seeds have not been pretreated unless noted
Note: While this guide offers a helpful overview, germination success can vary by technique and environment. Refer to trusted gardening resources for best practices suited to your climate.
Bring timeless structure and Mediterranean beauty to your garden—plant Bear’s Breeches today!
