Acanthus mollis Bear's Breeches Live Plant 12 Inch Purple White Flower Perennial

Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear's Breeches, is a striking herbaceous perennial prized for its bold, deeply lobed foliage and tall, architectural flower spikes. The glossy green leaves form a dense clump that adds texture and drama to shaded borders, woodland gardens, and mixed perennial beds. In summer, upright spikes of purple and white flowers emerge, attracting pollinators and providing vertical interest.

This live plant arrives at approximately 12 inches tall, ready to establish in your garden. Bear's Breeches is a long-lived perennial that thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for cottage gardens, foundation plantings, and container culture. Its dramatic form and reliable performance make it a favorite among gardeners seeking low-maintenance, high-impact plants.

Plant Features

• Bold, deeply cut, glossy green foliage
• Tall spikes of purple and white flowers in summer
• Attracts pollinators to the garden
• Herbaceous perennial that returns year after year
• Excellent for shaded borders and woodland gardens

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Acanthus mollis
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Clumping, upright flower spikes
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: 3-4 feet
• Spacing: 24-36 inches apart

Planting & Care

Transplant your Bear's Breeches into a prepared garden bed or container with well-draining soil. Choose a location that receives partial shade, especially in hot climates, though it can tolerate more sun in cooler regions. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system.

Once established, Acanthus mollis is relatively low-maintenance. Water during dry spells, and apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage a tidy appearance and potentially promote additional blooms. In late fall or early spring, cut back old foliage to make way for fresh growth. This perennial is generally pest and disease resistant, making it a reliable choice for busy gardeners.

What's Included

One live Acanthus mollis plant, approximately 12 inches tall, ready for planting.