Acanthus mollis   Bear's Breech Acanthaceae

  Acanthus mollis   Acanthus mollis

  From Southern Europe. Moderate to fast growth evergreen. Grows up to 4 or 5' (design height, mature height can be 8'). Though 'mollis' connotes 'softnesss', bracts become thorn-like. Leaves are simple, deeply-lobed and cut, 2 to 2 1/2" long, dark green, ovate.

White spiked 2" flowers, in June and July. Capsure fruits. Good in Mediterranean climate. Prefers part sun to shade, high to light water, likes loam, clay, rocky and sandy soil. Tolerates drought, heat and poor soil. Without watering, will die back. Will continue so spread so needs to be contained by root barrier. Snail habitat. Cut off old flowers.

Uses: accent, border, container, erosion control, filler, ground cover, arrangements, for tropical effect.

Photos taken at Strybing.