Acanthus hirsutus
hairy bear's breech
An herbaceous perennial, to 45cm tall, with a rosette of toothed and prickly, lance-shaped, dark green leaves, each up to 40cm long and 8cm wide. In summer, short spikes bear creamy-pale-yellow flowers hooded with green bracts. The leaves, stems and flower spikes are covered with silky hairs
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Acanthus are robust herbaceous perennials with handsome, lobed foliage and tall, erect racemes of two-lipped flowers with colourful bracts
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil; does best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division or from root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Architectural
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down old flower stems
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Powdery mildews may be a problem
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.