Log in Start trial

Spiny Bear's Breech

Acanthus Spinosus

Design with this plant

Overview

The Acanthus spinosus, or Spiny Bear's Breech, graces gardens with its striking, spiky foliage and tall flower spikes. Thriving in zones 5-9, this perennial prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. Grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, adding architectural elegance. Ideal for creating a dramatic backdrop in a border or as a focal point. Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal maintenance.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater Low, Very LowZones 5–6Type PerennialClimate Temperate

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal maintenance; adding a dynamic element to the garden.<br><br>When

Culture

Sun: Full, Half, Shade
Water: Low, Very Low
USDA zones: 5–6

Shape & size

Mature height: 3–4 Ft.
Mature width: 2–3 Ft.

Classification

Type: Perennial
Family: Acanthaceae
Climate: Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (84)

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Ideal for creating a dramatic backdrop in a border or as a focal point

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — a nod to its frequent depiction in ancient Greek and Roman art; perennial with white blooms, image 62

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — making it a low-maintenance choice for the busy gardener; thriving in zones 5-9, this perennial prefers partial shade

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — the Spiny Bear's Breech is an exceptional choice

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal maintenance

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — commonly known as the Spiny Bear's Breech; white flowers in the garden

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Ideal for creating a dramatic backdrop in a border or as a focal point; is a striking perennial that brings a

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Its bold foliage and statuesque blooms ensure that this plant will be a conversation piece for years to come

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — contrasting beautifully with softer plant forms.<br><br>During the summer months; this architectural, image 60

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — consider a place that receives full sun to partial shade

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — It has a moderate growth rate and is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9; dark green leaves that can reach

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — is a striking perennial that brings a dramatic flair to any landscape design

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — serrated edges provide a unique texture

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, adding architectural elegance

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — perennial with white blooms

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — This hardy plant prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established; the Spiny Bear's Breech is an

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal maintenance; adding a dynamic element to the, image 54

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — adding a dynamic element to the garden.<br><br>When selecting a site; drought-tolerant once established; requires

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — serrated edges provide a unique texture; spiky foliage and tall flower spikes

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Thriving in zones 5-9, this perennial prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil; making it a

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — consider a place that receives full sun to partial shade; the Acanthus spinosus sends up flower spikes that can soar

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Thriving in zones 5-9, this perennial prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil; making it a, image 51

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — the Spiny Bear's Breech is an exceptional choice; this hardy plant prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — commonly known as the Spiny Bear's Breech; white flowers in the garden, image 55

Photographs by 15 contributors

Draco2008 from UK, CC BY 2.0 · source
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Meneerke bloem, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
C T Johansson, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Bouba at French Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Dguendel, CC BY 3.0 · source
David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
RubyGoes, CC BY 2.0 · source
Magnus Manske, CC BY-SA 2.5 · source
אבישי טייכר, CC BY 2.5 · source
Hurricanefan24, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K, CC BY 2.0 · source
Edmundas Greimas, CC BY 4.0 · source
Dinkum, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Related plants

Bear's Breech (Acanthus Mollis) — Adds architectural interest to borders and focal points

Perennial

Bear's Breech

Acanthus Mollis

Deep ShadeUSDA 8–11

Black- Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia Alata 'Yellow Form') — commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Ground cover

Black- Eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia Alata 'Yellow Form'

FullUSDA 3–10

Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia Alata) — It‚Äôs a charming addition for vertical interest in any garden

Vine

Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia Alata

FullUSDA 3–10

California Ruellia (Ruellia Californica) — is a resilient perennial shrub native to California's desert regions

Shrub

California Ruellia

Ruellia Californica

FullUSDA 9–10

Chuparosa, Calif. Beloperone (Justicia Californica) — Minimal supplemental water is necessary once established, as this plant is well-adapted to arid conditions

Shrub

Chuparosa, Calif. Beloperone

Justicia Californica

FullUSDA 9–11

Coconut A-Peel® Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) — blooming from planting to frost

Coconut A-Peel® Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia alata