Bear's Breeches

Acanthus

A majestic plant, bear's breeches is like a living sculpture in the garden. It offers sturdy spires of white or pink blooms with papery purple bracts that make a dramatic statement, as does the rich-green, spiny-looking foliage.

The plants tolerate poor, dry soil once established but need regular moisture to get started. In well-drained soil bear's breeches can spread to become a large colony, but it is not invasive.

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Light:

Part Sun, Sun

Type:

Perennial

Height:

From 1 to 8 feet

Width:

2-4 feet wide

Flower Color:

Blue, Pink, White

Seasonal Features:

Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom

Problem Solvers:

Drought Tolerant

Special Features:

Cut Flowers, Good for Containers

Zones:

4-10

how to grow Bear's breeches

Propagation

Seed

Division

more varieties for Bear's breeches

Balkan bear's breeches

Acanthus hungaricus bears white or light pink flowers with purple bracts on 2-foot-tall stems in early to midsummer. Zones 6-9

Common bear's breeches

Acanthus mollis grows to 5 feet tall and produces glossy green leaves and purplish flower stems with mauve-hooded white flowers. Zones 6-10

Spiny bear's breeches

Acanthus spinosus is the hardiest type. It has white flowers with purple hoods on plants up to 4 feet tall. Zones 4-9

plant Bear's breeches with

Balloon flower

The inflated buds of balloon flowers are fun to pop. And they make great cut flowers. Cut them in the bud stage, and sear the base of the stems to prevent the milky sap from seeping out and fouling the water.Most commonly available in blue-violet, balloon flowers also come in pink and white, as well as shorter forms that are better suited for rock gardens and containers. In fall, the foliage of balloon flower turns clear gold, so don't cut the plant down too early -- enjoy the show! They tolerate light shade, but not wet feet or drought.

Pearly everlasting

Pearly everlasting is often grown as a flower for drying, but it's so pretty growing fresh in the garden, it's hard to bring yourself to cut it and bring it indoors.This North American native looks great even in the driest of weather. Its silvery foliage and creamy white blooms make it suitable for moon or white gardens. Grow it in lean soil or divide it frequently to keep it from spreading too quickly.

Spurge

There are hundreds of different spurges -- and most are valued by gardeners because they're drought-resistant and almost always ignored by deer and rabbits. Spurges are surefire picks for adding color to the garden. Many also turn gorgeous colors in the fall, enlivening the fall garden.

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