Bear's Breeches: Plant Spot Light

Plant Spotlight: Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus mollis)

Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus mollis) is a bold, leafy perennial. This plant grows 3–5 feet tall and spreads by rhizomes, forming clumps over time. In early to midsummer, it sends up tall spikes of hooded white or pink flowers with purple bracts that attract pollinators.

Because of the updated USDA maps (and climate change) we are now officially Zone 6: https://www.victoriagardens.biz/articles/usda-released-new-plant-zone-map-2023

So now Acanthus is reliably a perenial in our region. You can help to overwinter it in the Hudson Valley by cutting back the foliage after frost and applying a thick mulch (4–6 inches) over the crown to insulate the roots. Plant it in full sun for best performance, but it can tolerate part shade. It prefers well-draining soil and suffers in standing water, especially in winter. Water moderately during the growing season, and reduce watering in fall to prevent rot.