Each year Acanthus mollis returns to gardens in Redlands. In fact, their familiar leaves are already popping up in some yards.
Acanthus mollis, commonly called bear’s breeches, is one of the great garden plants. Originally found growing among the ancient Romans ruins, it traveled to Great Britain in the 13th century and then to America. Acanthus mollis was a favorite with Victorian gardeners. Today, it is cultivated in gardens around the world. Many very established clumps of bear’s breeches are growing well in Redlands, in gardens of historic homes as well as in the landscaping areas of public buildings.
Acanthus mollis is a horticultural survivor from ancient Greek and Roman times. A member of the Acanthaceae family, Acanthus mollis is native throughout the Mediterranean region, the southern parts of Europe and the warmer parts of Asia and Africa.
It is one of the earliest cultivated species of garden plants. The large shiny dark green leaves of this ornamental herbaceous perennial are generally considered by historians to have been the design inspiration for the decorative leaf borders, scroll motifs and column capitals (Corinthian, Ionic and Doric) used extensively in the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. Since the fifth century B.C., acanthus leaf motifs have become synonymous with classic Greek architecture.
During medieval and Renaissance times, the acanthus leaf motif was also incorporated into sculptures, woodcarvings and friezes. Victorians introduced it into wallpaper, china and other artistic endeavors. Today the acanthus leaf motif can be found in the decorative aspects of many Victorian homes as well as on numerous public buildings, from the University of Redlands to the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
A majestic plant, the Acanthus mollis can grow like a living sculpture in the garden. Its exotic, classic appearance blends well with both historic and contemporary homes. It makes excellent foundation plantings and does well in pots. In summer, 2- to 4-foot-wide clumps of lustrous, deeply cut, dark green leaves fill with dramatic, long-lasting, spires of tubular mauve-pink and white flowers. The flowers and the leaves are wonderful for both fresh and dried arrangements.
Acanthus mollis makes an excellent low-maintenance plant. It can grow in most any soil. Although it needs regular moisture to get started, it can tolerate poor, dry soil once established. Good drainage is very important and overwatering can frequently be fatal. In the warm Redlands climate, it appreciates partial afternoon shade. Once established, it does not like to be relocated and sends down tubular tap roots that resist movement. A long-lived plant, it tends to form large clumps that can survive for many decades.
Acanthus mollis is available at nurseries, garden centers and sometimes at plant sales. This plant can also easily be propagated from seed, root cuttings or division of established clumps. Unfortunately, slugs, snails and leaf-eating insects find the spectacular bear’s breeches leaves very tasty, so close watching and treatment may be necessary.
Acanthus mollis has come to mean quality, longevity and creativity. After more than 2,400 years, this ancient plant continues to add a fresh and interesting dimension not only to gardens but also to buildings, inside and out.
For information, call 909-798-9384.
Source: Joyce Dean, a member of the Garden and Floral Arrangers Guild
