Bear's Breeches
acanthus mollis
Also known as: ["Bear's Breeches","Hollyhock","Bear's Foot"]
Overview
A large, herbaceous perennial with deeply lobed, glossy green leaves and tall spikes of white or pale pink flowers with purple bracts.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Genus: | Acanthus |
| Botanical Name: | Acanthus mollis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with partial shade, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate drainage. Avoid waterlogged soil but can tolerate occasional dryness.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter. Can tolerate clay but prefers well-aerated conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or as needed to remove dead leaves and maintain form.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of old growth if the plant becomes overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates dappled shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; amend with organic matter annually; avoid heavy clay without amendments.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cooler conditions but thrives in moderate warmth. Protect from extreme heat or frost.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn; fertilize after watering to prevent root shock; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least two nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and partially shaded environment. Protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand. Can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid disturbing cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back leggy stems to a healthy bud or leaf node. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged foliage, and encourage bushier growth. Focus on post-flowering pruning to rejuvenate the plant.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged parts; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Acanthus benefits from fresh soil and room to grow.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water well 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 directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure. Incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback, especially in frost-prone areas.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use frost cloth for outdoor plants.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor, especially in dry conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAcanthus mollis is not toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects on feline health from ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAcanthus mollis is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health from ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAcanthus mollis is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Acanthus mollis?
A: It can be propagated by division in spring or by seed in autumn.
Q: Does Acanthus mollis require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Acanthus turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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