Bear's Breeches
acanthus spinosus
Also known as: ["Bear's Breeches","Hollyhock Acanthus"]
Overview
Acanthus spinosus is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its large, deeply lobed leaves and tall spikes of white or pale pink flowers with purple bracts.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Genus: | Acanthus |
| Botanical Name: | Acanthus spinosus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or as a specimen plant in a sunny garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to moderate-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives in fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring; remove spent flower stalks after blooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or diseased parts without drastically reducing size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter; ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates temperatures between -20°C to 30°C; prefers cool nights during active growth.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from winter winds; ensure adequate ventilation in summer.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with plant roots.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or root cuttings in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes with a sharp, sterile knife.
- Plant cuttings 2–3 inches deep.
- Keep moist and warm until roots form.
Best Time: Early spring before new growth begins; late summer after flowering can also be successful.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Not typically required but can be used for root cuttings to encourage faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–6 weeks; plants can be established in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, sterile cutting tools, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Divide only healthy rhizomes; keep soil consistently moist; avoid disturbing new roots.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back old foliage at the base; trim flower stalks after flowering; divide clumps every 3–4 years.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance; control spread by dividing overcrowded clumps.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in early spring; remove dead growth; divide if overcrowded.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts; avoid repotting during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new container has adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any damaged roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; Acanthus spinosus is generally long-lived in the same spot.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check root health; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may become discolored or brittle; growth slows or halts; roots may suffer damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from frost with row covers or burlap; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; flowering may be reduced; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing; stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThe spines of Acanthus spinosus can cause mechanical injury to cats if they come into contact with them, but the plant is not toxicologically harmful.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Dogs
Non-toxicThe spines of Acanthus spinosus may cause mechanical injury to dogs if they come into contact with them, but the plant is not toxicologically harmful.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Humans
Non-toxicThe spines of Acanthus spinosus can cause mechanical injury upon contact, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a significant health risk to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Acanthus spinosus?
A: Propagate by division in spring or by seed in autumn.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Acanthus spinosus?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and moderate watering.
Q: Does Acanthus spinosus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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