Acanthus mollis

bear's breeches

Eventual height & spread

Acanthus mollis

bear's breeches

  • 2 litre pot
  • £16.99 £19.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 3 × 2 litre pots
  • £45.04 £52.99 £15.01 each
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 9cm pot
  • £10.19 £11.99
  • available to order from autumn
  • 3 × 9cm pots
  • £23.79 £27.99 £7.93 each
  • available to order from autumn
  • 6 × 9cm pots
  • £42.49 £49.99 £7.08 each
  • available to order from autumn
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.99
  • Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: deep, fertile, well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: fast
  • Flowering period: July to August
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


Enormous, deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to 1m long form impressive clumps, from which tall flowerspikes emerge in late summer. These are clothed in white flowers, each with a hood-like purple bract, creating a two-tone effect.

Acanthus mollis is a vigorous perennial that has a striking architectural presence - and the flowers can be used in both fresh and dried arrangements.


  • Garden care:
    Plant Acanthus with a handful of well-rotted garden compost mixed with the excavated soil and firm the conditioned soil around the plant and water in well. It thrives best in dappled shade and although it will take full sun, the leaves may scorch.

    Slugs and snails love this plant, so pick them off regularly. Plant it as a specimen plant in a mixed border, and give it plenty of room to spread itself out.

    To minimise the risk of powdery mildew taking hold ensure that the plant is watered well during hot, dry spells. To rejuvenate and minimise congestion, lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.
  • Goes well with