Bear’s breeches Acanthus mollis
Bear’s breeches (Acanthus mollis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Acanthaceae family, native to Western and central Mediterranean. It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
Plan Bear’s breeches in your garden →
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Bear’s breeches at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western and central Mediterranean |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Bear’s breeches toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bear’s breeches
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Bear’s breeches
- How far apart should I plant Bear’s breeches?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Bear’s breeches need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bear’s breeches need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bear’s breeches?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Bear’s breeches flower?
- From about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bear’s breeches poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Bear’s breeches?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bear’s breeches. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- Its deeply cut leaves inspired the carving on Corinthian capitals.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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