How to Care for Bear's Breeches
Acanthus mollis is more commonly known as bear's breeches. It is a decorative plant that is well-suited for the backs of borders and has large green leaves. The plant produces spikes of white and pink flowers and can reach a height of 6 to 8 feet. It grows well in USDA zones 7b to 9a and is tolerant of dry conditions after getting established. It is a perennial. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose a planting location with a pH level between 6.6 and 7.5. The area needs to receive full sun for the majority of the day, with only partial shade.
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Space the plants 6 to 8 feet apart, in holes that are deep enough to hold the roots without burying any of the stem and wide enough to encompass the roots with several inches of space all the way around. Fill around the plants with soil and press it down fairly firmly.
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Wet the soil thoroughly enough to dampen it 3 to 4 inches down, and keep the plants well-watered for several weeks while they become established. Once the plant is established, water every other week.
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Trim off brown or yellow foliage when needed to allow the plant to concentrate on developing healthy growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Bear's breeches are easy to propagate by taking cuttings from existing plants and potting them in moist soil until roots develop. Large plants are also easy to divide by digging them up and cutting the root clump and attached plant in two or more sections, then replanting.
