Overview

Acanthus mollis is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Acanthus, part of the Acanthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Acanthus mollis grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, architectural, low maintenance, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Algeria, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, Sicilia, Tunisia, Türkiye and Türkiye-in-Europe.

About

Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear's breeches, sea dock, bear's foot plant, sea holly, gator plant or oyster plant, is a species of plant in the family Acanthaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a leafy, clump-forming perennial herb, with a rosette of relatively large, lobed or toothed leaves, and purplish and white flowers on an erect spike. It grows to around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acanthus mollis

About the genus

Acanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean Basin and Asia. This flowering plant is nectar-producing and depends on butterflies, such as Anartia fatima, and other nectar-feeding organisms to distribute its pollen. Common names include acanthus and bear's breeches.

Wikipedia contributors, "Acanthus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acanthus (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Acanthus

Sunlight

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Acanthus mollis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Architectural, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Algeria, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, Sicilia, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Acanthus mollis

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established; mulch in winter to protect roots in colder climates

Pruning

Cut back old flower spikes after blooming to encourage fresh growth; remove dead or damaged leaves as needed

Propagation

Division, Root cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions