Bear's Breeches Plant | Architectural Glossy Foliage

Bear's Breeches

1 Gallon

$24.90

1/8

Bear's Breeches

Acanthus mollis

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

$24.90

24-hour Money-back Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

coco-plant

Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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
Light Needs: Partial to full shade
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

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.