Bear’s Breeches

This plant has the unusual property of looking wonderful throughout the year. Nobody quite knows why it’s called Bear’s Breeches, although it could be derived from Berber rather than bear and breach meaning hole, chasm or large gap – in which case the name could refer to the deeply cut leaves that are evergreen through most winters. This European plant features on many neo-classical columns and buildings, and is a common Corinthian motif, showing that it has been valued for centuries as an ornamental growth.

The stunning thing about Acanthus Mollis is that is can be up to five feet tall and spread to three feet wide and with its tall summer spires of white flowers that shade to purple it has fantastic garden uses. The flowers can be dried by hanging upside down for several months and make superb Christmas decorations.

Although spring leaves can suffer from slugs and mildew, removing the damaged growth allows new leaves to appear. Apart from this minor problem the plants propagate freely and may even become rampant which makes them ideal for problem areas where little else will grow. The main plant can be divided by root cuttings in the autumn although this may not be necessary as the plant will set seeds and self sow so that new plants can be identified and moved to appropriate locations in spring. Full sun to light shade on well drained soil is the ideal location for this plant, but it will cope with many conditions and, apart from really heavy frosts, remain green and elegant throughout the winter.

© blueworldgardener.co.uk