Acanthus hirsutus

RHS Plant Profile
hairy bear's breech

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hairy bear's breech RHS

Synonyms

Acanthus spinosus Nees

Herbaceous Perennial
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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Acanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

May be susceptible to powdery mildews