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Acanthus mollis
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Acanthus
Species: mollis
Common name: Bear's Breeches
Acanthus mollis
Acanthus mollis is a handsome, architectural plant sporting tall foxglove-like flower spikes during late summer. Numerous white flowers are each topped by their own purple petal-like structure known as a 'bract'. This delightfully delicate structure gives the flowers an appealing purple hue and contrasts effectively against the large glossy lobed leaves at its base.
Acanthus mollis is far from shy and retiring. The large glossy leaves need plenty of room as the plant will spread to fill an area of around a 1m wide and reach up to 1.5m tall.
Whilst preferring rich, deep and well drained soils Acanthus mollis is surprisingly resilient and will tolerate a wide range of locations. For strong flowering keep in a warm sunny location.
Acanthus mollis requires suitably large bed fellows to avoid swamping its smaller companions. Possible companions on a purple theme are Eupatorium purpureum , Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' or Cimicifuga simplex 'Brunette'.
Alternatively mix with other jungle style plants.
Acanthus mollis at a glance
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