Bear's breeches Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel' (v)
ABOUT
Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel', commonly known as Bear's breeches, is a striking ornamental plant known for its large, sculptural leaves and tall flower spikes. The foliage of 'Tasmanian Angel' presents a dramatic display with its deep green leaves featuring bold, creamy white to yellow variegations, that often follow the veins of the leaves. This variegation gives each leaf a unique pattern, reminiscent of intricate marble veins or fine brushstrokes, which can add a bright contrast in a shaded garden spot. The variegated leaves are glossy and have a somewhat wrinkled texture, along with a deep, lobed shape that ends in a soft point. The Bear's breeches 'Tasmanian Angel' blooms in the summer, presenting an impressive sight with its tall spires of flowers. The flower spikes bear hooded, snapdragon-like flowers typically in a soft shade of lilac or mauve, occasionally with white highlights. These flowers are tightly clustered along the flower spike and are set against purple or dark pink bracts, which provide an attractive backdrop that enhances the overall appeal of the bloom. The contrast between the flowers and the striking foliage makes the plant a focal point in the garden. Despite its bold appearance, the 'Tasmanian Angel' remains an elegant plant, often used in formal garden settings or as a feature in Mediterranean-style landscapes. Its showy leaves and blooms make it a popular choice for adding texture and visual interest to an outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Acanthaceae
Synonyms
Bear's Breeches, Tasmanian Angel Bear's Breech, Variegated Bear's Breech
Common names
Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bear's breeches is not commonly known for its toxicity to humans. However, like many plants, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large amounts. There are no significant toxins in the plant known to cause serious poisoning in humans. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation in some individuals due to its spiky leaves.
To pets
Bear's breeches is not considered highly toxic to pets. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's generally a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, as even non-toxic plants can cause mild digestive issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel' adds a striking visual element to gardens due to its variegated foliage and tall flower spikes.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in mixed borders, as a focal point, or in Mediterranean and classical garden designs.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Rabbit Resistance: The plant is not a preferred choice for rabbits, thus it may have fewer issues with these pests.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, other than occasional pruning and watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the plant attract bees and other pollinating insects, benefiting the ecological health of the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: It can tolerate partial shade, providing flexibility in garden placement.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with its foliage and seasonal interest with its blooms in the summer.
- Architectural Structure: Its robust form adds an architectural element to the garden, especially in winter when other plants may have died back.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Inspiration: The striking variegated foliage of the Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel' can inspire patterns in textile design, quilt making, and other fabric arts.
- Garden Sculpture Mimicry: The leaf shape can be used as a model for creating garden sculptures or topiaries to add an artistic touch to landscape design.
- Printing and Painting: The leaves can be painted and used for printing patterns on paper, creating natural motifs in art projects.
- Educational Tool: It can be used in botany lessons to teach leaf morphology and variegation in plants.
- Architectural Ornament Design: Acanthus leaf motifs have historically been used in Corinthian column capitals, and this variety can serve as a contemporary reference in architecture and interior design.
- Photography Prop: The unique appearance of the plant makes it an excellent subject or backdrop for photographers, especially in botanical photography.
- Floral Arrangements: Because of its lush foliage, it can be incorporated into floral arrangements as a green accent.
- Theater and Set Design: Due to the dramatic form of its leaves, it can be a component in theater productions or film sets to create a Greco-Roman ambiance.
- Culinary Presentation: Non-toxic varieties of Acanthus leaves can be used as decorative elements in gourmet dish presentations.
- Symbolism and Literature: The plant can be referenced in poetry and literature to symbolize resilience and enduring life, often used in metaphors and allegorical stories.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bear's Breech is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bear's Breech is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear's Breeches, is renowned for its ability to survive difficult conditions and reappear year after year, symbolizing the resilience and endurance one must have to overcome obstacles.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its ornate leaves that have been used in classical Corinthian column designs, Bear's Breeches is a symbol for artistry, creativity, and inspiration found in nature’s designs.
- Pain or Suffering: In Christian symbolism, the spiky thorns of the Acanthus plant represent pain or suffering, often depicted in religious art to signify the struggle and adversity that must be overcome.
- Heavenly Garden: Because of its use in classical architecture and association with the ancient Greek aesthetic, Bear's Breeches can symbolize a connection to paradise or an idealized, heavenly garden.
WaterThe Bear's Breeches requires consistent moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually means watering once a week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil type. During the growing season in spring and summer, watering might need to be more frequent. Generally, apply approximately 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it reaches the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. Adjust the frequency during hotter, drier periods, and reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightBear's Breeches thrives best in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Too much intense sun can scorch the leaves, so if you live in a particularly sunny area, ensure it has some protection during the peak afternoon hours.
TemperatureBear's Breeches can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs ideally between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While the plant is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, it will struggle in conditions above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant it in a location where it can be safeguarded from extreme cold or heat for best results.
PruningPruning Bear's Breeches mainly involves removing spent flower stalks and damaged leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune in late fall or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back any old foliage to the ground. This helps to rejuvenate the plant for the upcoming season. Deadheading the flower spikes after blooming can also promote a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBear's Breeches ('Tasmanian Angel') thrive in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand to promote good drainage. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.1 to 7.8.
RepottingBear's Breeches ('Tasmanian Angel') generally requires repotting every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingBear's Breeches ('Tasmanian Angel') prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels without any special requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bear's Breeches in bright, indirect light and water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel,' commonly known as Bear's Breeches, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-draining soil in spring after the last frost has passed. After germination, the seedling stage commences, during which primary roots and initial foliage develop. The plant then enters the vegetative growth stage, characterized by the expansion of broad, variegated leaves and the establishment of a robust root system. As it matures, Bear's Breeches reaches the flowering stage, typically in early summer, producing tall spikes adorned with white and purple flowers. Following pollination, seeds develop and are eventually dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Lastly, Bear's Breeches is a perennial plant and will enter a period of dormancy during cold weather, only to regrow from the rootstock with the arrival of warmer spring temperatures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel', commonly referred to as Bear's Breeches, is most effectively propagated through division. This method is best performed in early spring or fall. To propagate through division, carefully lift the plant from the ground using a spade or garden fork, ensuring to keep a decent amount of the root system intact with each division. Sections of the root clump should then be separated by hand or with a sharp knife, each containing at least one growth point or shoot. These divisions should then be replanted into well-prepared soil, maintaining the same planting depth as the original plant. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting, and ensure they are kept moist until they are established, which will facilitate prompt root growth and plant establishment.
