Acanthus mollis Bear's Breeches Live Plant 6 Inch Purple White Flower Perennial

Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear's Breeches, is a striking herbaceous perennial grown for its bold architectural foliage and tall flower spikes. The large, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves form a dense clump that adds dramatic texture to shaded borders, woodland gardens, and mixed perennial beds. In summer, upright spikes of hooded purple and white flowers rise above the foliage, creating a bold vertical accent.

This live plant arrives ready to establish in the garden or a container. Bear's Breeches is a long-lived perennial that returns year after year, gradually forming a larger clump. It pairs well with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants and can be used as a specimen or massed for effect.

Plant Features

• Bold, deeply cut, glossy green foliage
• Tall spikes of purple and white flowers in summer
• Herbaceous perennial that dies back in winter and regrows in spring
• Excellent for shaded borders and woodland gardens
• Attracts pollinators when in bloom

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Acanthus mollis
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun (tolerates more sun in cooler climates)
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Clump-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: 3-5 feet including flower spikes
• Spacing: 24-36 inches apart

Planting & Care

Plant your Bear's Breeches in a location with partial shade and well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the crown. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, Acanthus mollis is relatively drought tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture.

In late winter or early spring, remove old foliage to make way for new growth. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer if soil is poor. Divide clumps every few years in spring or autumn to maintain vigor. Watch for slugs and snails, which may damage new growth.

What's Included

One live Acanthus mollis plant in a 6-inch pot.