Bear’s Breeches

Acanthus is a genus of 30 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean region and Asia .The common name is Bear’s Breeches. Bear’s Breeches belong to the plant type Herbaceous perennial. It can be described as big, bold and bodacious. The physical appearance of this plant can be narrated as the following. It has got coarse basal foliage in combination with striking flower spikes. It has got a spiky bicolor white and purple blooms typically appear in mid-summer, from June to August. The foliage texture varies from species to species. Plant size ranges from three to four feet tall and as wide. Plants need good drainage for winter survivability.The plant grows to 3–4 inches tall and has shiny, dark green, leathery leaves that look like thistle leaves. The genus comprises herbaceous perennial plants, rarely sub shrubs with spiny leaves and flower spikes bearing white or purplish flowers. The size varies from 40 cm, up to 2 m tall.

If you are planning to buy Bear’s Breeches spring and summer are the best season for that. Buy Bear's breeches in 6-inch to 1-gallon containers. Try to choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds. The steps which are involved for planning the Bear’s Breeches are the following. Plant Bear's Breeches in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers. Set the plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost. Water well until soil is completely moist. The plant Bear’s breeches needed to be cared well. It is necessary to cut off flower stems when they're finished, using bypasses pruners. We have to remove old foliage in spring, using bypass pruners to cut off the old stems. It is essential to apply a light application of organic fertilizer on top of the soil in early spring. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost in spring. A water bear breech well weekly until soil is completely moist in summers with no rainfall. The plant can be used in masses or as a specimen plant. Use in the middle to the back of a mixed perennial border. Combining in contrast with fine-textured perennials, like ferns, that would benefit from the backdrop of this plant's foliage. Or pair with other bold foliage plants, like gunner. Although they may not bloom at the same time, Bear's Breeches’ flowers complement purple pineapple lily combining dramatic purple foliage with the spiky bloom that resembles a pineapple. Bear’s Breeches can be used as a fresh or dried cupflower.

The plant is valued for its bold foliage and impressive flower spikes. Bear's Breeches are aptly named for certain species' large and hairy leaves. The leaves inspired the designs for the head or capital of Greek Corinthian columns. Due to its spreading underground root system, this plant can become invasive, especially in the West. We, the Blooming Britain – a well-know online florist, have an exotic collection of Bear’s Breeches from which you can select your favorite one.