{"title":"Acanthus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHow to Grow and Care for Acanthus (Bear's Breech)\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAcanthus are a European species prized for their exotic tropical-looking foliage. While many of the common acanthus plants do not thrive in hot, humid summer climates, we are finding many to be heat-tolerant.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough most people grow acanthus plants for their attractive, shiny, lobed leaves, they also produce a wonderful 2-6' tall spike lined with purple and white flowers. Acanthus is \u003ca title=\"Read about deer resistant plants\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/deer-resistant-plants-flowers-perennials-deer-wont-eat\"\u003edeer-resistant\u003c\/a\u003e and pairs well with plants that highlight its unique foliar texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSun and Water Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAcanthus prefers to grow in \u003ca title=\"part sun\" href=\"\/pages\/sun-requirements-and-light-conditions#partsun\"\u003epartial sun conditions\u003c\/a\u003e in rich soil and does not tolerate wet feet. Once established, an acanthus plant can tolerate some drought.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePropagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSince acanthus plants grow from root cuttings, plant them where you would like them to remain since moving the plant always seems to leave a few root pieces behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eAcanthus Companion Plants\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTry combining acanthus with \u003ca title=\"carex (sedge)\" href=\"\/collections\/sedge-carex-grass\"\u003ecarex\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca title=\"iris\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/iris-japanese-louisiana-ensata-variegata\"\u003eiris\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca title=\"ferns and allies\" href=\"\/collections\/fern-plant-hardy-ferns-perennial-outdoor-garden\"\u003eferns\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca title=\"tradescantia (spiderwort)\" href=\"\/collections\/tradescantia\"\u003etradescantia\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca title=\"setcreasea\" href=\"\/collections\/setcreasea\"\u003esetcreasea\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca title=\"selaginella (spikemoss)\" href=\"\/collections\/selaginella\"\u003eselaginella\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eThe History of Acanthus\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAcanthus plants are native to woodlands and hillsides around Italy and Greece. The ancient Romans and Greeks revered the acanthus plant and incorporated the plant into their cultural history and architecture, decorating their Corinthian and Composite order columns, dentils, and friezes with carved acanthus plant leaves. According to Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph who resisted Apollo's romantic advances and was turned into the plant as punishment. When you are ready to buy acanthus for your garden or home, check out our list of acanthus plants for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eBear's Breech Etymology\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe common name of Acanthus is Bear's Breech...why in the world would someone name a plant after Yogi's britches? Well, according to plant taxonomy expert \u003ca title=\"William T. Stearn Wikipedia page\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/William_T._Stearn\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWilliam Stearn\u003c\/a\u003e, the name Bear's Breech comes from the medieval (Pre-Linnaean) latin name 'Acanthus sativus branca ursina' (Linnean name...Acanthus mollis) which means 'Cultivated Spiny Bear Bract', because they thought the curved bracts on the flower stalk looked like a bear claw. Over time people mis-pronounced or mis-translated the word 'branca' into 'breech', leading to the common name bear's breech. So technically, Bear's Breech should really be called bear claw flower...but it's too late to change it now.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"acanthus-summer-beauty-spinosus-mollis","title":"Acanthus Summer Beauty","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe feel this import by the late Oregon plantsman Chet Tompkins from a gardener in China is one of the finest acanthus on the market. Where Acanthus mollis fails miserably, Acanthus 'Summer Beauty', a hybrid (probably Acanthus mollis x \u003ca title=\"Learn more about Acanthus hungaricus\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/products\/acanthus-hungaricus\"\u003eAcanthus hungaricus\u003c\/a\u003e), grows well in our hot summers. The 4-6' wide clump of giant, glossy, dark green foliage is more cutleaf than typical Acanthus mollis. In June (NC), the tropical-looking, deer-resistant clumps are topped with 6' tall spikes of white flowers surrounded by wonderful purple calyces...absolutely superb, an industry standard!\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAcanthus require little in the way of maintenance. Remove spent flower stalks when they are no longer attractive, cutting them to the ground. Remove unattractive foliage as necessary. The foliage is attractive most of the year especially if there is adequate moisture in summer. It is very drought tolerant but will deal with drought in summer by going dormant, returning in fall as soil moisture increases. So, irrigation in summer time dry spells will keep it in growth. Some species will continue to grow into late fall or winter if the weather remains mild, eventually being cut back by cold. The plants are not harmed by this enforced rest. They will return in spring unfazed.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is best to choose a permanent location when planting. They tolerate transplanting but every piece of root left behind will grow a new plant. Indeed root-cuttings are a standard means of propagating. Once planted, it can be left alone to get better with each passing year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart day sun to very bright shade is best for Acanthus 'Summer Beauty', Acanthus mollis, Acanthus spinossus and similar Acanthus with lush soft leaves. Though drought tolerant, they will remain attractive all summer if not drought stressed, so avoid excessively dry sites, and irrigate if possible during dry spells. Remember that shade gardens are often dry due to the trees that provide the shade if the trees are ones that are very competitive in their water use.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Impact:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe floral display of Bear's Breech is very dramatic. Flower spikes can be 5 to 6' tall depending on the particular Acanthus and are strongly vertical and persist for a couple of months. The effect is much like strictly upright spikes of the common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. Acanthus would be worth growing even without its floral display because its handsome foliage is big, bold and lush and a glossy mid-green and is an attractive addition to a garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21024701317,"sku":"2526","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Acanthus-Summer-Beauty.i-2526.s-67861.r-1.jpg?v=1788199503"},{"product_id":"acanthus-hungaricus","title":"Acanthus hungaricus","description":"\u003cp\u003ePicture a tropical-looking, dark green, glossy, thick-leaf fern forming an 18\" tall x 30\" wide deer-resistant perennial and you've got an acanthus. Acanthus hungaricus is topped in early spring with a mass of 3' tall spikes, composed of purple, pink and white tricolor turtleheads...very unique! Although some taxonomists have lumped Acanthus hungaricus into \u003ca title=\"Acanthus balcanicus\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/products\/acanthus-balcanicus\"\u003eAcanthus balcanicus\u003c\/a\u003e, we feel that there is a horticultural difference. Plant this where you want it to stay. While it is easy to move, small root pieces that are left behind keep on giving, and giving, and giving. We have good reports of it being long term winter hardy in Zone 4a, so most reports on-line seem in error.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21025424709,"sku":"3496","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Acanthus-hungaricus.i-3496.s-66806.r-1.jpg?v=1791890222"},{"product_id":"acanthus-mollis-rue-ledan","title":"Acanthus mollis Rue Ledan","description":"\u003cp\u003eThanks to Herman van Beusekom of the Netherlands for sharing this great bear's breech which he named Acanthus 'Rue Ledan'. This is one of the few Acanthus mollis selections that has grown well in our hot, humid summers. The cutleaf, shiny, dark green foliage composes a large specimen clump to 3' in width. In June, the tropical-looking deer-resistant clump is topped with 3' tall spikes of pure white flowers (compared with the normal purple hood over each flower).\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAcanthus require little in the way of maintenance. Remove spent flower stalks when they are no longer attractive, cutting them to the ground. Remove unattractive foliage as necessary. The foliage is attractive most of the year especially if there is adequate moisture in summer. It is very drought tolerant but will deal with drought in summer by going dormant, returning in fall as soil moisture increases. So, irrigation in summer time dry spells will keep it in growth. Some species will continue to grow into late fall or winter if the weather remains mild, eventually being cut back by cold. The plants are not harmed by this enforced rest. They will return in spring unfazed.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is best to choose a permanent location when planting. They tolerate transplanting but every piece of root left behind will grow a new plant. Indeed root-cuttings are a standard means of propagating. Once planted, it can be left alone to get better with each passing year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart day sun to very bright shade is best for Acanthus 'Rue Ledan', Acanthus mollis, Acanthus spinossus, and similar species with lush soft leaves. Though drought tolerant, they will remain attractive all summer if not drought stressed, so avoid excessively dry sites, and irrigate if possible during dry spells. Remember that shade gardens are often dry due to the trees that provide the shade if the trees are ones that are very competitive in their water use.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Impact:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe floral display of bear's breech is very dramatic. Flower spikes can be 5 to 6' tall depending on the particular variety and are strongly vertical and persist for a couple of months. The effect is much like strictly upright spikes of the common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. Bear's breech would be worth growing even without its floral display because its handsome foliage is big, bold, and lush, and a glossy mid-green, and is an attractive addition to a garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21026106629,"sku":"4732","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Acanthus-mollis-Rue-Ledan.i-4732.s-18959.r-1.jpg?v=1791291396"},{"product_id":"acanthus-mornings-candle-spinosus-mollis","title":"Acanthus Mornings Candle","description":"\u003cp\u003e(Acanthus Morwiho) Acanthus 'Mornings Candle' is a splendid free-flowering, sturdy-stemmed selection of bear's breech, from Holland's Dirk de Winter of New Generation Plants that is reportedly a hybrid of Acanthus spinosus and Acanthus mollis. Unfortunately, most growers wouldn't know true Acanthus spinosus if it stuck 'em in the rear. We think this is more likely an \u003ca title=\"Learn more about Acanthus hungaricus\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/products\/acanthus-hungaricus\"\u003eAcanthus hungaricus\u003c\/a\u003e x Acanthus mollis hybrid. For us, the 3' wide clump of deeply-scalloped green leaves has performed extremely well despite several weeks above 100 degrees F. The compact, deer-resistant clumps are topped, starting in early May (NC), with up to a dozen, 5'+ tall flower spikes of purple and white hooded flowers...truly superb! We've found Acanthus 'Mornings Candle' to still be free-flowering, despite all the recent EU austerity measures.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAcanthus require little in the way of maintenance. Remove spent flower stalks when they are no longer attractive, cutting them to the ground. Remove unattractive foliage as necessary. The foliage is attractive most of the year especially if there is adequate moisture in summer. 'Morning Candle' is very drought tolerant but will deal with drought in summer by going dormant, returning in fall as soil moisture increases. So, irrigation in summer time dry spells will keep it in growth. Some species will continue to grow into late fall or winter if the weather remains mild, eventually being cut back by cold. The plants are not harmed by this enforced rest. They will return in spring unfazed.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is best to choose a permanent location when planting. They tolerate transplanting but every piece of root left behind will grow a new plant. Indeed root-cuttings is a standard means of propagating. Once planted, it can be left alone to get better with each passing year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart day sun to very bright shade is best for 'Morning Candle', Acanthus mollis, Acanthus spinossus, and similar Acanthus with lush soft leaves. Though drought tolerant, they will remain attractive all summer if not drought stressed, so avoid excessively dry sites, and irrigate if possible during dry spells. Remember that shade gardens are often dry due to the trees that provide the shade if the trees are ones that are very competitive in their water use.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Impact:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe floral display of bear's breech is very dramatic. Flower spikes can be 5 to 6' tall depending on the particular variety and are strongly vertical and persist for a couple of months. The effect is much like strictly upright spikes of the common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. It would be worth growing even without its floral display because its handsome foliage is big, bold and lush and a glossy mid green and is an attractive addition to a garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWatch our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/7SFfdWub--g?si=RSwsxk1TJ4910H_f\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePlant Spotlight\u003c\/a\u003e video for more information. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21028878469,"sku":"8933","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Acanthus-Mornings-Candle.i-8933.s-64650.r-1_2fc75f16-a61a-474b-9e65-c2e4ea9e70c0.jpg?v=1788289638"},{"product_id":"acanthus-mollis-reut-israel","title":"Acanthus mollis Reut Israel","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 2011, while Israeli nurseryman Moti Kopilovitch was visiting and discussing our acanthus selections, we explained that most of the Acanthus mollis we tried did not survive our hot, humid summers. Moti was kind enough to share seed of a form of bear's breech that thrives in Israel's hot climate (Zone 10-11), and it became a 2012 Plant Delights\/JLBG introduction. Acanthus mollis makes a 2' tall x 3' wide clump of broad, glossy-green, deeply indented leaves which go into a midsummer lull but kick back into high gear with the return of cooler nights. The clumps are topped with 4' tall spikes of spiny purple and white flowers. Bear's breech is propagated from root cuttings, so if you dig around a mature acanthus, you will create cuttings. Acanthus mollis was named as one of the top 200 plants of the last 200 years by the Royal Horticultural Society...quite an honor.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAcanthus require little in the way of maintenance. Remove spent flower stalks when they are no longer attractive, cutting them to the ground. Remove unattractive foliage as necessary. The foliage is attractive most of the year especially if there is adequate moisture in summer. It is very drought tolerant but will deal with drought in summer by going dormant, returning in fall as soil moisture increases. So, irrigation in summer time dry spells will keep it in growth. Some species will continue to grow into late fall or winter if the weather remains mild, eventually being cut back by cold. The plants are not harmed by this enforced rest. They will return in spring unfazed.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is best to choose a permanent location when planting. They tolerate transplanting but every piece of root left behind will grow a new plant. Indeed root-cuttings is a standard means of propagating. Once planted, it can be left alone to get better with each passing year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart day sun to very bright shade is best for Acanthus mollis, Acanthus spinossus, and similar Acanthus with lush soft leaves. Though drought tolerant, they will remain attractive all summer if not drought stressed, so avoid excessively dry sites, and irrigate if possible during dry spells. Remember that shade gardens are often dry due to the trees that provide the shade if the trees are ones that are very competitive in their water use.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Impact:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe floral display of bear's breech is very dramatic. Flower spikes can be 5 to 6' tall depending on the particular species and are strongly vertical and persist for a couple of months. The effect is much like strictly upright spikes of the common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. It would be worth growing even without its floral display because its handsome foliage is big, bold and lush and a glossy mid green and is an attractive addition to a garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21029587077,"sku":"9811","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Acanthus-mollis-Reut-Israel.i-9811.s-62669.r-1.jpg?v=1790793999"},{"product_id":"acanthus-sennii","title":"Acanthus sennii","description":"\u003cp\u003eAcanthus sennii is a little-known endemic bear's breech from the highlands of Ethiopia, where it can be found in Juniperus-Podocarpus forests as well as in rocky grasslands between 5,500' and 10,000' elevation. Acanthus sennii forms an open clump to 3' tall x 5' wide when mature. The black stems are adorned with glossy black green leaves. We have found it to be surprisingly winter hardy in our area, where it dies to the ground as a perennial. For us, Acanthus sennii begins flowering in early October with splendid terminal spikes of bright scarlet orange flowers. In Ethiopia, roots are used to treat scorpion stings and a concoction from the leaves is used to treat wounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatch our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/x9v1TpX8IRw?si=EOA9muzjq2gHIneb\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePlant Spotlight\u003c\/a\u003e video for more information.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29452803866711,"sku":"13718","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Acanthus-sennii.i-13718.s-65893.r-1_2afa5442-42ea-4565-aa24-9a837a46b4e2.jpg?v=1791977158"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/collections\/acanthus-sennii-1900x350.jpg?v=1679503371","url":"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/acanthus.oembed","provider":"Plant Delights Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}