{"product_id":"bears-breeches-acanthus-mollis","title":"Bear's Breeches - Acanthus mollis","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eBear’s breeches (Acanthus mollis) is a striking perennial prized for its deeply lobed, deeply cut, thistle-like dark green leaves with toothed edges and soft hairs. Its attractive foliage is highly valued by gardeners and landscape designers for adding bold, architectural texture to any garden, complementing \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/\"\u003epopular privacy trees and shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e in layered landscape designs. The plant’s large, glossy, dark green leaves—known as acanthus leaves—have inspired the famous Corinthian leaf motif in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The genus name 'Acanthus' comes from the Greek word 'akantha', meaning 'spine', referencing the spiny edges of the leaves and their historical use in the ornate capitals of Corinthian columns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBear’s breeches thrive in full sun or part shade, and benefit from morning sun, but can also tolerate partial shade or shade, especially in hot climates. For best results when growing bear’s breeches, plant in rich, well-drained soil with good drainage, as wet soil can cause root rot and harm the root system. Adding organic matter helps maintain healthy roots. The plant is drought tolerant and drought resistant once established, making it suitable for low-water gardens alongside other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/natchez-crape-myrtle-lagerstroemia-indica-x-fauriei-natchez\"\u003eheat-loving, drought-tolerant flowering trees\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePropagation is easy by seed, root cuttings (best taken in early spring), or division to create new plants. Bear’s breeches can spread aggressively via creeping rootstocks, sometimes causing unwanted spread in the garden; root barriers are recommended to control this. In spring or early spring, divide mature clumps or start seeds for best establishment, or pair them with a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/brush-cherry-eugenia-myrtifolia\"\u003edense, fast-growing privacy hedge like Brush Cherry\u003c\/a\u003e to create structured garden boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTall flower spikes rise above the foliage and bloom from late spring to early summer and into summer, with flowers that resemble snapdragons and sometimes display white flowers. These blooms attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is not ornamentally significant, so many gardeners combine bear’s breeches with sculptural succulents such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/blue-glow-agave-agave-blue-glow\"\u003eBlue Glow Agave\u003c\/a\u003e for added year-round interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo protect the root system and roots during winter, especially in colder climates, apply a thick layer or layer of winter mulch. This helps insulate the plant and prevent frost damage, especially when bear’s breeches are used near \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/buxus-winter-gem\"\u003ecold-hardy evergreen shrubs like Winter Gem Boxwood\u003c\/a\u003e in mixed borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBear’s breeches are susceptible to powdery mildew if left unchecked, and pests like slugs and snails can cause substantial damage. Consider spacing them to allow good air circulation around nearby shrubs such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/buxus-winter-gem-globe\"\u003espherical Winter Gem Boxwood globes\u003c\/a\u003e to keep foliage dry and healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcanthus mollis and related species, including spiny bear’s breeches (Acanthus spinosa), are native to the Mediterranean region. These plants are valued for their ornamental foliage and historical significance and can be combined with adaptable evergreens such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/carrotwood-cupaniopsis-anacardioides\"\u003eCarrotwood trees\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/heteromeles-arbutifolia\"\u003eToyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/silver-sheen-kohuhu-pittosporum-tenuifolium-silver-sheen\"\u003eCheesewood Pittosporum varieties\u003c\/a\u003e for year-round structure and color. Gardeners appreciate their use in garden design for their bold, attractive foliage and classical appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":41720190337197,"sku":"","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/products\/Acanthusmollis100-15gallon.png?v=1707261020","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/bears-breeches-acanthus-mollis","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}