Acanthus mollis, perhaps more commonly known as 'Bears Breeches', is a handsome, robust hardy perennial noted for its architectural foliage. While at face value the name 'Bears Breeches' may not make much sense it is believed to be a corruption from its 17th century Cornish name of Brankursine. Brankursine means bear’s claws and relates to the shape of its flowers.
Given favourable conditions, Acanthus mollis will reach an approximate height and spread of between 1 - 1.5 metres. The mid-green leaves are ovate and glossy and have a heart-shaped base and deeply cut, wavy margins. The white and purple flowers are produced on 150 cm spikes from July until August.
Acanthus mollis will perform best in a sunny or lightly shaded position in a deep, well-drained soil. Avoid disturbing the root system until the plants becomes overcrowded. Cut the stems back to almost ground level after flowering. Once established Acanthus mollis can show good drought tolerance. In warmer temperate countries you may need to provide shade from the hot afternoon sun to prevent scorching.
The leaves of this plant are considered by historians to have been the design inspiration behind the Corinthian column capitals of Greco-Roman architecture.
Acanthus and Corinthian columns
Come the spring the new growth was forced to grow outwards beyond where the basket sat before it could emerge through the soil. When it did the foliage surrounded the basket like a nest of leaves and the tall spired flowers became distorted into graceful arches reflecting the basket’s fluted neck. The architect was inspired by what he saw and recreated the effect in a number of his columns. It soon became a popular demand for the Corinthians and so the fashion for such columns and their distinctive motif had begun.