Skip to content

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 5–6Climate Temperate
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — spiky foliage and tall flower spikes

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

Family
Acanthaceae
Climate
Temperate

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

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (64)

Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — graces gardens with its striking; grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, adding architectural elegance
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — spiky foliage and tall flower spikes; serrated edges provide a unique texture
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) — Grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, adding architectural elegance; graces gardens with its striking
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) — commonly known as the Spiny Bear's Breech; white flowers in the garden
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal maintenance; adding a dynamic element to the garden.<br><br>When
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — This architectural plant is native to the Mediterranean region and boasts deeply lobed; contrasting beautifully with
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — dark green leaves that can reach lengths of up to 3 feet; it has a moderate growth rate and is suitable for USDA
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — is a striking perennial that brings a dramatic flair to any landscape design; ideal for creating a dramatic backdrop
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — contrasting beautifully with softer plant forms.<br><br>During the summer months; this architectural plant is native
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — serrated edges provide a unique texture; spiky foliage and tall flower spikes
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — the Acanthus spinosus sends up flower spikes that can soar to heights of around 4 feet; consider a place that
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) — a nod to its frequent depiction in ancient Greek and Roman art; perennial with white blooms
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) — 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) — 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) — 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; this hardy plant prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — Its bold foliage and statuesque blooms ensure that this plant will be a conversation piece for years to, image 45
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — white flowers in the garden; commonly known as the Spiny Bear's Breech
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — graces gardens with its striking; grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, adding architectural, image 49
Spiny Bear's Breech (Acanthus Spinosus) — perennial with white blooms; a nod to its frequent depiction in ancient Greek and Roman art

Related plants

Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia Spicigera) — evergreen shrub reaching heights of 2-4 feet with an equal spread

Mexican Honeysuckle

Justicia Spicigera

Full · Zones 8–11

Chuparosa, Calif. Beloperone (Justicia Californica) — Chuparosa (Justicia californica) is a vibrant Southwestern native shrub

Chuparosa, Calif. Beloperone

Justicia Californica

Full · Zones 9–11

Mexican Bluebell (Ruellia Simplex) — It thrives in full sun to partial shade, reaching heights and spreads of 2-3 feet

Mexican Bluebell

Ruellia Simplex

Full · Zones 8–11

Orange Clock Vine (Thunbergia Gregorii) — fast-growing perennial with striking orange flowers resembling open-faced clocks

Orange Clock Vine

Thunbergia Gregorii

Full · Zones 9–11

Shrimp Plant (Justicia Brandegeeana) — commonly known as Shrimp Plant

Shrimp Plant

Justicia Brandegeeana

Half · Zones 9–11

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

California Ruellia

Ruellia Californica

Full · Zones 9–10