Bear's Breeches Acanthus Mollis is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial plant native to Southern Europe and Northwestern Africa. It is recommended to sow Bear's Breeches seeds directly in the garden in early spring after the last frost. Also commonly called Bear's Breech, Brank Ursine, and Soft-Leaved Bear's Breech, Acanthus Mollis is a clump-forming perennial with very attractive deeply lobed, soft-spiny, glossy, dark green leaves that form mounds of basal foliage, and in summer Bear's Breech blooms with 3-5 foot tall bold spikes of white or pink snapdragon-like flowers which are hooded by spiny reddish-purple bracts. The showy flowers attract various pollinators.
Bear's Breeches is a bold, architectural plant that is often planted in borders, cottage gardens, and it looks best when planted in small groupings. Acanthus Mollis seeds germinate in 3-4 weeks, and the established plant thrives in average, well drained soil tolerating drought and growing best in partial shade or full sun in cool summer regions. Bear's Breech makes an outstanding cut flower for fresh or dried arrangements.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 30 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Average/Moist well-drained, pH 6.1-7.8
USDA Zones: 6-11
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Spring
Sow Outdoors: Spring (After last frost)
Seed Depth: 1/8 Inch
Germination Time: 21-28 Days
