It is hardy down to Zone 5, but it is highly recommended to apply a generous layer of mulch over the crown in late fall to ensure it survives harsh northern winters.

Spiny Bear’s Breeches

Acanthus spinosus

Nature Hills Nursery

Thrives in USDA growing zones 5-9, requiring a protective winter mulch in northern climates.
Produces dramatic, architectural flower spikes reaching up to 4 feet tall in early summer.
Features bold, deeply cut, thistle-like leaves that remain shiny and attractive all season.
Slow-growing but long-lived specimen that tolerates clay soil and dry sites once established.

$40⁶⁰

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Spiny Bear's Breeches thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light. While it can handle more shade in hot climates, providing more sun ensures the most dramatic, upright flower spikes and prevents the stems from flopping.
Soil: These plants prefer deep, fertile soil that drains well but stays consistently moist. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during the winter is the fastest way to lose the root system to rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water deeply twice a week to help the thick, tuberous roots settle into their new home. Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during a dry spell can cause the large, architectural leaves to wilt or develop crispy edges. Maintaining a steady moisture level will keep the foliage looking lush and glossy from spring through autumn.

Pruning Tips

This perennial blooms on the current year's growth, so you can safely tidy it up without risking next year's flowers. In late autumn or early spring, cut the entire plant back to the ground; think of it like a seasonal "reset" that clears out old, tattered debris to make room for fresh architectural growth. Removing spent flower stalks immediately after they fade prevents the plant from wasting energy on seeds and keeps the focus on its striking jagged leaves.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the first new leaves begin to poke through the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, because this encourages soft, tender growth that is easily damaged by the first frost of winter. A simple top-dressing of composted manure once a year is often all this vigorous grower needs to produce its signature tall blooms.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7	Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12	Week of February 15th

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Bring the timeless beauty of ancient Greek architecture to your garden with the Spiny Bear’s Breeches, botanically known as Acanthus spinosus. Famous for being the inspiration behind the ornate carvings on Corinthian column capitals, this perennial is a true "designer plant." It offers a rare combination of structural drama and rugged reliability that makes it a must-have for the back of the border or as a standalone focal point.

Dramatic Architectural Foliage

The true star of the show is the foliage. Acanthus spinosus (also known as Spiny Acanthus) produces a mounded base of large, deeply lobed leaves that can reach up to 24 inches long. These leaves are a glossy, dark green and feature a sharp, thistle-like spine at each tip, giving the plant a fierce yet sophisticated texture. The leathery leaves remain upright and lush throughout the heat of summer, providing a consistent green backdrop for other flowering perennials.

Striking Summer Blooms

In early summer, the plant transforms as tall, sturdy flower spikes rise 3 to 4 feet above the foliage. These spikes are adorned with hooded, trumpet-shaped flowers in a sophisticated color palette of crisp white and mauve-purple. The bi-color effect is mesmerizing, and the spikes make excellent additions to cut flower arrangements, adding height and an "Old World" feel to any vase.

Versatile Landscape Specimen

In the landscape, Spiny Bear’s Breeches is a high-impact choice for cottage gardens, formal borders, or "wilder" naturalized areas where its spiny leaves discourage deer. While it is a slow grower, it is exceptionally long-lived. Because it can be aggressive in loose, sandy soils, it is best utilized in heavier soils where its spread can be naturally contained. Whether used to anchor a corner or to line a fence, this plant commands attention with its bold silhouette and historic charm.

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spiny Bear’s Breeches invasive?

It spreads slowly by rhizomes in ideal conditions but is not considered invasive. Monitor its spread and divide as needed.

Does this plant spread aggressively?

In rich, well-drained or sandy soils, it can spread via underground rhizomes. Planting it in heavier clay soil or using root barriers can help keep it confined to its intended space.

Are Spiny Bear's Breeches deer resistant?

Yes, the sharp spines on the leaf tips make this plant highly unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for areas with high pest pressure.

When should I prune my Acanthus?

Cut the flower stalks down to the ground as soon as the blooms fade to keep the plant looking tidy. The foliage should be left intact through the winter and cleared away in early spring before new growth appears.

How is Acanthus spinosus different from Acanthus mollis?

Acanthus mollis has broader, softer leaves with fewer spines. Acanthus spinosus has more finely cut and spiny foliage for extra texture.

Is it cold hardy?

It is hardy down to Zone 5, but it is highly recommended to apply a generous layer of mulch over the crown in late fall to ensure it survives harsh northern winters.

Spiny Bear’s Breeches