How to Grow Bear's Breeches (Acanthus)

Bear's breeches is a perennial that grows 4 feet tall and is known for its bold leaves with spiny tips and stalks of two-tone flowers.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Fertilizers
• Garden Hoses
• Mulch
• Plants

Planting Bear's Breeches

1. Plant bear's breeches in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

4. Set the plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

5. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. Water well until soil is completely moist.

Choosing Bear's Breeches

1. Look for plants at nurseries in spring and summer.

2. Buy bear's breeches in 6-inch to 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds.

Caring for Bear's Breeches

1. Cut off flower stems when they're finished, using bypass pruners.

2. Remove old foliage in spring, using bypass pruners to cut off the old stems.

3. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer on top of the soil in early spring (follow package directions).

4. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost in spring.

5. Water well weekly until soil is completely moist in summers with no rainfall.