Spiny Bear's Breeches (Acanthus Spinosus) is a perennial herb in the Acanthaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Acanthus spinosus is a clump-forming perennial known for its strikingly elegant spikes of hooded white flowers with spiny, red-purple bracts and deeply lobed, glossy green foliage.

Spiny Bear's Breeches

Spiny Bear's Breeches

Acanthus Spinosus

Acanthus spinosus is a clump-forming perennial known for its strikingly elegant spikes of hooded white flowers with spiny, red-purple bracts and deeply lobed, glossy green foliage.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
7-10

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, well-drained
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Spiny Bear's Breeches

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Spiny Bear's Breeches
Spiny Bear's Breeches detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Acanthaceae
Genus:Acanthus