Bear's breeches (Acanthus spinosus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bear's breeches on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Bear's breeches
Acanthus spinosus, commonly known as Spiny Bear's-breech, is a robust and ornamental herbaceous perennial, prized for its large, deeply lobed, spiny, glossy green leaves that form a basal rosette. It produces tall spikes of white and purple flowers in summer, making it ideal for adding structure and an architectural touch to garden borders, beds, or as an accent plant in Mediterranean gardens. Its persistent foliage and spectacular bloom make it a striking focal point.
Native range
Mediterranean region (Southern Europe and North Africa)
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade, tolerating full sun better in cooler climates. It requires well-drained, fertile, and preferably calcareous soil, although it adapts to most soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. Watering should be moderate once established, becoming more frequent during dry periods; it is drought-tolerant. Avoid excessive soil moisture, especially in winter, to prevent root rot, and be cautious of its spines when handling.
How to save a dying Bear's breeches
- Warning signs
- Drooping, yellowing leaves or dry brown spots. Stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check watering (underwatering is common), prune badly damaged leaves, check for pests (snails, slugs).
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought in summer or overwatering in winter, leading to root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's resilient. With proper watering and good drainage, it recovers.