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    • Photo of Acanthus spinosus foliage by Avant Gardens

    Photo by Avant Gardens

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Acanthus spinosus

    Also Known As

    • Bear's Breeches
    • Spiny Bear's Breeches

    Plant type

    perennial

    size

    • H: 3'-4'
    • W: 2'-3'

    planting zones

    • 6a-10b

    More Options

    Acanthus spinosus plant details

    Acanthus spinosus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In summer lavender, pink and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Acanthus spinosus

    Plant type: perennial
    Plant family: acanthaceae
    Foliage: semi-evergreen green
    Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
    Flowers: lavender, pink and white blooms in summer
    Uses: big leaves, spiky

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Acanthus spinosus

    USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
    Watering frequency: even moisture - low
    Resistant to: deer
    Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    ?Very attractive but rare? (Jelitto), this species is stoloniferous with 2-3' leaves, darker green & deeply divided, and striking spires of mauve foxglove-like flowers; ?the specie of classical & architectural renown? (Bowles). PSh-S/M/GDr

    By: Forestfarm

    The hardiest of the "Bear's Breaches", this bold accent plant has large shiny green thistle like foliage and 3' flower spikes with soft mauve blossoms. We have found that siting it in a well-drained spot in full sun in a soil that warms up early in the season makes this plant really thrive. Flowering begins in June and continues into July. Sometimes mislabeled with Acanthus hungaricus, which has slightly more lobed than pointy leaves.

    By: Avant Gardens

    From the eastern Mediterranean this species of bear's breeches has masses of dark green deeply cut leaves from which rise bold spires of white and purple flowers. A great focal point and structural plant.

    By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

    Glossy dark green leaves with spiny tips. Tall spikes of flowers mid to late summer. Sun to light shade. Quite striking.

    By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

    Soft mauve and white flowers have green spiny bracts on long spikes, to 4'. The deeply cut, dark green leaves form dense clumps.

    By: Greer Gardens Inc.

    Gardening facts about Acanthus spinosus plant

    How to Grow Acanthus spinosus

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - dappled shade

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - drought tolerant

    • Water Needs

      • dry when dormant

    • Water Needs

      • dry in summer

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • white
      • pink
      • lavender

    • Wildlife

      • deer resistant

    • Flower Season

      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • semi-evergreen

    • Texture

      • glossy

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