Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Acanthus mollis or Bear's breeches

The genus Acanthus, family Acanthaceae, includes 30 species of herbaceous plants native to Asia and the Mediterranean basin. Some species are: Acanthus mollis, Acanthus longifolius, Acanthus spinosus.

Common names: Bear's breeches, Sea dock, Bearsfoot and Oyster plant.

They are herbaceous plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height when they bloom. The attractive pinnatifid-sinuous leaves are 50 cm (1.64 feet) long and glossy dark green. The flowers can be white or pink in color and appear in spikes above the leaves. They bloom in summer.

They can be used in rockeries, on dry slopes, in undergrowths, in shady areas of the garden, to form groups, as isolated specimens and in pots. They are plants rich in mineral salts and carbohydrates. An infusion of leaves or flowers whets the appetite, flushes the liver and regulates digestion; Macerated in cold water and well crushed, they are applied to wounds as a healing agent.

Acanthus mollis grows in full sun, semi-shade and shade exposures. They resist frost down to -7 ºC (19.4 ºF).

Although it can grow in poor soils they prefer that they are well drained and contain organic matter. Planting is done in early spring at the rate of 3 plants per square meter.

Water regularly so that the substrate is slightly damp but without flooding; They are easy to grow and low maintenance plants that resist several days of drought.

Fertilize with compost in late winter.

After flowering, prune the leaves almost at ground level because they lose them and sprout again.

They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases but can be attacked by slugs and snails.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring, by division in early autumn (remove the leaves earlier) and by root cuttings also in autumn.

Images of the plant Acanthus mollis or Bear's breeches