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.

Jul 6, 2024 · Commonly called bear’s breeches, acanthus is grown for its glossy, large foliage that can be jagged or spiny. It bears tall spikes of striking flowers with white petals and prickly purple bracts in late spring into early summer.

From midsummer through frost, flame acanthus is covered with long, slender, red or orange blooms that hummingbirds love. It is a drought tolerant, heat-loving small shrub that works as well in the perennial border as it does as an informal hedge or specimen plant.

Oct 22, 2024 · Acanthus is an architectural perennial with bold vertical interest and handsome, lush leaves. The scrolling foliage unfurls to form broad, frond-like leaves with a tropical look.

May 16, 2022 · The wisdom of growing Acanthus plants in your garden depends upon how cold your winters get. The plant will spread via underground runners, and in areas with yearlong warmth similar to its native Mediterranean climate, it may very well take over your garden.

Acanthus, the symbol of eternal love, with the curious common name “bear’s breeches”, is native to Africa, Asia and Southern Europe. It numbers about thirty species which makes for a significant variety of colors, flowers and leaves.

Mar 15, 2020 · Also known as bear’s britches, acanthus flowers are very distinctive with white outer petals appearing from under a purple hooded leaf bract. Bees love them. They make good cut flowers and can be used in fresh and dried arrangements.

Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear’s breeches, is a clump-forming perennial that is grown as much for its attractive foliage as for its architecturally bold flower spikes. It is native to the Mediterranean region.

'Summer Beauty' (Acanthus mollis x Acanthus spinosus) is a clump-forming hybrid that features both attractive foliage and architecturally bold flower spikes. Deeply-lobed, soft-spiny, glossy, dark green leaves (to 2’ long) form an attractive mound of basal foliage to 2 1/2' tall.

Acanthus spinosus, commonly called bear's breeches, is a clump-forming perennial which is grown as much for its attractive foliage as for its architecturally bold flower spikes. Features pure white, snapdragon-like flowers enclosed (hooded and subtended) by spiny, reddish-purple bracts and arranged in vertical rows on substantial flower spikes ...