Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Bear’s Breeches Plant for Your Landscape

If you’re looking for a dramatic and striking plant to add to your landscape, bear’s breeches (Acanthus mollis) might be just the plant for you. With its large, glossy leaves and tall flower spikes, bear’s breeches has become a popular choice for gardeners looking to make a statement in their gardens. However, as with any plant, it’s important to choose the right variety for your specific needs. In this article, we’ll go over some of the different varieties of bear’s breeches and help you decide which one is right for your landscape.

A Bit About Bear’s Breeches

Bear’s breeches is a perennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean region but has been widely cultivated in gardens around the world. It gets its name from the shape of its leaves, which are reminiscent of a bear’s paw. The plant can grow up to six feet tall and four feet wide, with large, shiny leaves that can be up to two feet long. In the summer months, bear’s breeches produces tall spikes of pink or white flowers that can reach up to four feet in height.

Choosing the Right Variety

When choosing a bear’s breeches plant for your landscape, there are several different varieties to consider. Here are some of the most popular:

Acanthus mollis ‘Whitewater’

This variety of bear’s breeches has striking green and white variegated leaves that add a unique touch to any garden. It typically grows to about two to three feet tall and wide, making it a good choice for smaller landscapes or as a border plant.

Acanthus mollis ‘Latifolius’

This variety has larger leaves than other bear’s breeches plants, with foliage that can be up to three feet long. It also produces taller flower spikes, reaching up to five feet in height. This makes it a good choice as a focal point or specimen plant in larger landscapes.

Acanthus mollis ‘Hollard’s Gold’

If you’re looking for a pop of color in your garden, ‘Hollard’s Gold’ might be the right choice for you. This variety has bright yellow-green leaves that add a sunny touch to any landscape. It typically grows to about two to three feet tall and wide.

Acanthus mollis ‘Tasmanian Angel’

This variety of bear’s breeches has stunning silver-gray foliage that adds an elegant touch to any garden. It typically grows to about two feet tall and wide, making it a good choice for smaller landscapes or as a border plant.

Care and Maintenance

Bear’s breeches plants are relatively easy to care for once established. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate drought conditions but will do best with regular watering during dry spells. Deadheading spent flower spikes will encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period.

The plants should be pruned back in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This will help promote healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

FAQ

Q: Is bear’s breeches a good choice for beginner gardeners?

A: Yes! Bear’s breeches is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance once established.

Q: Will deer eat bear’s breeches?

A: Deer tend to avoid bear’s breeches due to its tough foliage.

Q: Can bear’s breeches be grown in containers?

A: Yes! Bear’s breeches can be grown in containers as long as they have enough room for their roots to grow and are watered regularly.

Q: Is bear’s breeches invasive?

A: Bear’s breeches is not considered invasive but can spread via rhizomes if left unchecked.

Q: Can bear’s breeches be propagated?

A: Yes! Bear’s breeches can be propagated via division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections with roots attached before replanting.

In conclusion, bear’s breeches is a stunning addition to any landscape with its bold foliage and striking flowers. By choosing the right variety for your specific needs and following a few simple care tips, you can enjoy this beautiful plant in your garden for years to come.