Acanthus mollis

Bear's Breeches, Oyster Plant

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Robust perennial featuring large, deeply lobed dark green leaves and tall spikes of white or pink flowers. Prized for architectural foliage in gardens.
yard Outdoor plants wb_sunny Shade / Half-shade pets Not pet-safe
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Plant Details

Common Name Bear's Breeches, Oyster Plant
Family Acanthaceae
Genus Acanthus
Species Mollis
Origin Mediterranean Europe / North Africa
Blooming Summer to early autumn
Leaf Color Dark green with silver veins
Sunlight Shade / Half-shade
Category Outdoor plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Rich, well-drained loamy soil. Tolerates poor soils but thrives in moisture-retentive compost.

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Watering

Moderate during growing season, keep moist but not waterlogged. Reduce in winter dormancy.

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Sunlight & Care

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Needs light for flowering.

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Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring before growth starts.

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Pruning

Remove spent flower spikes after blooming. Cut back foliage in late autumn or early spring.

Pest Control Aphid Slug Snail Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 4 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
41° – 86°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
40% – 75%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
1000 – 30000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
1200 – 4500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
water
Soil Moisture
20% – 65%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
300 – 1800
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)

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