Family Acanthaceae
Acanthus — Bear’s Breeches — is a genus of around 20 species of bold, architectural perennials native to tropical Africa, Australia, and Europe. The deeply cut, dark green foliage of Acanthus mollis...
Family Acanthaceae
Acanthus — Bear’s Breeches — is a genus of around 20 species of bold, architectural perennials native to tropical Africa, Australia, and Europe. The deeply cut, dark green foliage of Acanthus mollis is dramatic in its own right — so distinctive it is believed to have inspired the decorative motif on Corinthian column capitals — and the tall, spiky flower spikes in white and purple persist for many weeks, making them outstanding both in the garden and as cut or dried flowers.
Thriving in full sun to light shade in free-draining soil, Acanthus must not sit wet over winter. Once established it makes excellent ground cover and is best left undisturbed — propagated from root cuttings, any roots left behind when moving plants will regrow, so choose your site carefully before planting.
Combines well with Euphorbia characias, Stipa gigantea, Iris (bearded varieties), and Verbascum — plants that share its love of sun, sharp drainage, and a taste for the dramatic.
