Bear’s Breeches – Acanthus mollis

Bear’s Breeches is a large coarse leafed rhizomatous perennial that grows to 3-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with large dark green deeply-lobed leaves.

It produces vertical flower spikes, appearing in spring through early summer, that are 4-6 feet tall, with flattened hooded white to light pink flowers subtended by spiny green and purple bracts.

Plant in full coastal sun to light shade (best with full morning sun) and water regularly to occasionally. It will go summer dormant without irrigation and if treated this way can be considered “drought tolerant”.