Bear's breeches Acanthus 'Morning's Candle'
ABOUT
Acanthus 'Morning's Candle' is a striking perennial known for its architectural form and attractive foliage. The leaves of this plant are deeply cut and have a glossy appearance, typically with a dark green hue that adds a luscious, robust aspect to the garden. As the name suggests, it has a particular appeal in the early part of the day when the gentle sunlight accentuates its features. The plant produces a prominent floral display; tall, showy spikes carry a multitude of flowers, which are often tubular in shape. The blossoms are typically white, paired with purplish bracts, giving the inflorescence a unique and eye-catching two-tone effect. These flowers are arranged gracefully on the spike and rise above the foliage, commanding attention and adding vertical interest to any planting scheme. Acanthus 'Morning's Candle' is not just celebrated for its blooms; the impressive sculptural quality of its leaf structure makes it a valuable foliage plant as well. The contrast between the bright, intricate flowers and the deep, rich leaves creates a dynamic visual spectacle. Overall, Acanthus 'Morning's Candle' is a decorative plant that can serve as a focal point in landscape design, drawing the eye with its distinctive form and elegant flower spikes. It lends itself well to a variety of garden styles, adding a touch of classical grace wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Acanthaceae.
Synonyms
Bear's Breech, Bear's Breeches, Oyster Plant, Sea Dock, Bearsfoot, Morning Candle.
Common names
Acanthus 'Morning's Candle'.
ToxicityTo humans
Acanthus 'Morning's Candle', commonly known as Bear’s Breech, does not have a reputation for being highly toxic to humans. However, like many ornamental plants, it may cause irritation if ingested or if the sap comes in contact with skin. If ingested, this plant can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact with skin may potentially result in dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some individuals. If you suspect poisoning, seek medical attention promptly.
To pets
Bear’s Breech is not widely known to be toxic to pets, but it can still cause them discomfort if ingested. Pets that consume this plant may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. As with humans, the sap may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some pets. If you observe any adverse symptoms after your pet has ingested Bear’s Breech, contact your veterinarian for advice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The Acanthus 'Morning's Candle' has large, deeply cut leaves that add a textural element to garden designs.
- Architectural Structure: The plant's tall, upright flowering spikes give a strong architectural look to landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Long Blooming Season: It produces flowers from early to mid-summer, adding interest to the garden over an extended period.
- Wildlife Friendly: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer plants that need little attention.
- Winter Interest: Its seed heads can provide visual interest in the garden even during the colder months.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of Acanthus 'Morning's Candle' can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, specimen planting, or as a backdrop for other perennials in garden beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Acanthus 'Morning Candle' can be used in print and textile design, where its ornate leaves and floral patterns are used as inspiration for intricate designs in fabrics and wallpaper.
- The plant's motifs are historically significant in architecture, often carved into Corinthian columns and capitals in classical buildings.
- Its leaves can serve as a natural dye source for fabric and paper, producing subtle green hues.
- The spiky yet elegant form of Acanthus 'Morning Candle' makes it a popular choice for floral arrangements, especially in large, dramatic displays.
- Acanthus 'Morning Candle' can be used as a model for artistic studies and sculptures, with its layered foliage and structured appearance.
- The plant has been featured in mythological and religious symbolism, making it a candidate for thematic gardens that focus on storytelling or historical plants.
- Acanthus 'Morning Candle' provides a habitat and food source for certain butterfly larvae, contributing to biodiversity in the garden space.
- In educational gardens, this plant is often included to teach about plant anatomy and botanical illustration due to its distinctive leaf shape.
- As a component in a sensory garden, the textured leaves of Acanthus 'Morning Candle' can provide a tactile experience for visitors, especially the visually impaired.
- For culinary presentation, the leaves can be used as a natural garnish or decorative element on platters, though they are not edible.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bear's Breeches is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bear's Breeches is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The Acanthus plant is a hardy perennial, known for its ability to survive and thrive under challenging conditions, symbolizing the quality of endurance.
- Artistic Inspiration: Due to its use as an architectural motif in ancient Corinthian columns, Acanthus is often associated with artistic creativity and inspiration.
- Healing: In herbal medicine, Acanthus has been used for its purported healing properties, thus symbolizing health and recovery.
- Immortality: The longevity of the Acanthus plant, as well as its presence in ancient art and architecture, gives it a symbolic association with immortality and the eternal.
WaterBear's breeches should be watered deeply but infrequently, typically once a week during the active growing season if there's no significant rainfall. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. When watering, apply water at the base of the plant until the soil is moistened to a depth of about 6 inches. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently, especially for plants in containers. On average, a total of 1 to 1.5 gallons per week should suffice to maintain healthy growth.
LightBear's breeches prefer a location with full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is one where the plant receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, as intense heat during the peak summer months can stress the plant. Though bear's breeches can tolerate quite a bit of shade, too much can lead to leggy plants and reduced flowering.
TemperatureBear's breeches thrive in temperatures ranging between 50°F to 80°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 15°F, though freezing temperatures can damage the foliage. Bear's breeches grow best in climates where temperatures do not frequently exceed 90°F, as excessive heat can lead to stress on the plant.
PruningPrune bear's breeches to remove spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance and occasionally to promote a second flush of flowers. Also, prune any frost-damaged foliage in early spring to make way for new growth. The best time for significant pruning is late winter or early spring, as new growth begins to emerge.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBear's Breeches prefer well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix with equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand ensures proper drainage and aeration. Adding some compost will provide slow-releasing nutrients.
RepottingBear's Breeches do not require frequent repotting; it is generally best to repot these plants only every 3 to 4 years, or when the root system has outgrown the current pot.
Humidity & MistingBear's Breeches thrive in average room humidity conditions. High humidity is not necessary, but they can tolerate a range of environments as long as proper soil moisture is maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and room temperature.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with fertile, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleAcanthus 'Morning Candle', commonly known as Bear's Breeches, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures are warm. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, developing a rosette of deeply lobed leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a strong root system, including a taproot that anchors it and stores energy for perennial growth. In subsequent years, typically by the second or third year, it sends up tall floral spikes in early to mid-summer adorned with white and purple flowers, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, allowing for the potential colonization of new areas. As a perennial, Acanthus 'Morning Candle' dies back to its roots in late autumn and remains dormant through the winter, resprouting the following spring to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Acanthus 'Morning's Candle', commonly known as Bear's Breeches, can be propagated by seed or by division. However, the most popular method is division, which is usually performed in spring or fall. To divide Bear's Breeches, carefully dig up the entire clump and use a sharp spade or knife to cut through the root ball, ensuring that each section has several growth points. Then, replant the divisions promptly, keeping them at the same soil depth they were growing at before. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method is effective because it helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become overcrowded and it ensures that the new plants are true to the parent's characteristics.
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