Bear's Breeches

Bear's Breeches

1 Gallon
$24.90
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Bear's Breeches
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Bear's Breeches

Acanthus mollis

A statuesque, architectural plant with bold foliage and unique flower spires.

$24.90
Container sizeSize guide

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Description

Bear's Breeches is a dramatic and architectural foliage plant that commands attention in the shade garden. Its bold, glossy, deeply lobed leaves form a magnificent, lush mound that provides striking texture even when not in bloom. In summer, it sends up towering flower spikes adorned with hooded, creamy-white blossoms framed by showy purple bracts, resembling exotic sea creatures. This statuesque, evergreen perennial brings a timeless, classical elegance to woodland settings and sheltered borders.

Bold, Architectural Foliage: Features enormous, glossy, dark green leaves with deeply cut, wavy lobes, creating a spectacular, sculptural presence year-round.
Towering, Unique Flower Spikes: Produces impressive, upright spikes of hooded, creamy-white flowers nestled within contrasting purple-pink bracts in mid to late summer.
Majestic and Substantial Presence: Grows into a large, clump-forming specimen, reaching 3-6 feet tall and wide, making it an unparalleled focal point.
Thrives in Partial to Full Shade: Prefers dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade, where its foliage remains lush and avoids scorching.
Drought Tolerant Once Established: While it appreciates moisture, its deep roots make it surprisingly resilient to dry periods once it has settled in.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Light: Partial to full shade

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  • Features:Foliage: Large, deeply lobed, glossy dark green leaves with a wavy, ruffled texture.Flowers: Hooded, creamy-white flowers subtended by showy, spiny, dark purple bracts, arranged on tall, dramatic spikes; blooms in summer.Habit: Evergreen perennial woodland plant with a bold, clumping, spreading form. Tolerates both drought and moist conditions, and thrives in full shade.
  • Mature Height: 3–6 ft (including flower spikes)
    Mature Width: 3–6 ft
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Key Advantages:Striking architectural foliage and dramatic flower spikes.Adaptable to both dry and moist shade.Low maintenance and deer resistant.Classic plant for formal and woodland gardens
  • Landscape Uses:Shade and woodland gardens.Architectural focal point in borders.Classical and Mediterranean-style gardens.Mass planting for bold foliage effect.Understory planting beneath trees

Faqs

Q: Is it invasive?
A: In ideal conditions (mild, moist climates), Acanthus mollis can spread vigorously via underground rhizomes and become difficult to eradicate. It is best planted where it has room to form a bold clump or where its spread can be managed.

Q: Why won't my Bear's Breeches flower?
A: Flowering can be inconsistent, especially in colder climates or if the plant is too shaded. It often flowers best after a mild winter and when it receives a few hours of sunlight. Ensuring it is not overcrowded and is grown in rich, well-drained soil can also encourage blooming.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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1 Gallon

1 Gallon

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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