Bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis)
Bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis).
This plant has several common names including: bear’s breech, bear’s breeches, brank ursine, common bear’s breech or soft-leaved bear’s breech.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: bear’s breech, bear’s breeches, brank ursine, common bear’s breech, soft-leaved bear’s breech
Scientific name: Acanthus mollis
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full shade, Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Architectural, Informal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Drought resistant
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis) – Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Acanthus to consider:
See all Acanthus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Acanthus mollis likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis) grows well in full sun, although it can also be grown in shady places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis) – Gmihail at Serbian Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 RS, via Wikimedia Commons
