Bear's Breech

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in phoenix

Heat Tolerance: Light shade to shade in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun (in cool area) to light shade

Origin: Southern Europe

Growth Habits: Fast growing perennial to 5 feet tall (1.5 m), 3 feet spread (90 cm)

Flowers: White or pink flowers

Watering Needs: Regular water in summer

Propagation: Seeds division in spring or fall, root cuttings in early spring

Grown in antiquity gardens, the Bear's Breech inspired the Greeks' Corinthian columns. The acanthus can be very decorative in your garden. The fresh or dried flower spikes are used in floral arrangements.

Blooming Habits:
The impressive flower spikes with white to purple flowers appear at the end of April and last until the end of May in Phoenix, later in the rest of the country. They can be dried for use in floral arrangements. Cut them after they finish blooming in order to keep the foliage longer.

Culture:
The acanthus generally disappears in summer to grow back in late winter. In cold climates, mulch to protect the root system. It is possible to cut the bear's breech to the ground after it finished blooming to get earlier new growth. The root system can be invasive.

Propagation:
Division, root cuttings or seeds in winter in Phoenix, spring in most of the country.