How big does Bear's breeches grow?

About 1.5 m × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.8 m × 60–90 cm.

What soil does Bear's breeches grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy.

Is Bear's breeches hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Banská Bystrica Region, Prešov Region, Žilina Region) it may not survive winter without protection.

When does Bear's breeches flower?

Flowering: May–August, white, purple, pink.

How much water does Bear's breeches need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Bear's breeches cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €9.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Bear's breeches

Acanthus mollis

Bear's breeches (Acanthus mollis) is a perennial that reaches 1.5 m × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Bear's breeches — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An architectural perennial with large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves and tall summer spikes of white and purple flowers held in spiny bracts. Give it a sheltered spot in sun or part shade with well-drained soil and a thick winter mulch, because it is not reliably hardy in hard frost. Choose its place carefully: it resprouts from pieces of root, so once established it is hard to remove.

Watch out for

In Central Europe its hardiness is borderline: it is reliable only to about -18 °C, and cold, wet winters and waterlogged soil can kill it, so it needs a sheltered spot and a thick winter mulch. Late spring frost can wipe out that year's flowers. In loose soil it spreads strongly by creeping roots and resprouts from root pieces left in the ground. It is susceptible to powdery mildew, and slugs and snails can badly damage the leaves. Without watering it may go dormant in summer drought.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–August, white, purple, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.9–1.8 m × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–August, white, purple, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	90 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
10-15 cm	approx. €5
size not stated	approx. €9.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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