Bear's Breeches

bear's breechesarchitecturalfoliage plantdrought-tolerantshade-tolerant

Bear's Breeches is an architectural perennial with large, deeply lobed, glossy dark green leaves that have inspired the Corinthian column in architecture for centuries. In summer, impressive flower spikes up to 1.5 metres tall bear white and purple hooded blooms. A true eye-catcher in any border.

See in your garden

Characteristics

Sun: Partial shade, Full sun
Water: Low
Height: 80–150 cm
Spread: 60–100 cm
Hardiness zone: 7–10
Family: Acanthaceae
Evergreen: No
Flower colors: white, purple
Wildlife value: bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial shade or sun in well-drained soil. Bear's Breeches tolerates drought surprisingly well but flowers most abundantly in moisture-retentive ground. The plant is difficult to move once established — every fragment of root left behind will regrow. In cold regions, protect the crown with a thick layer of mulch.

Pruning tips

Cut flower spikes after blooming for a tidier look, or leave them for winter silhouette. Remove old foliage in spring before new growth appears. The plant does not need dividing.

Good companions

Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded garden

Perennials

Hosta sieboldiana

Hosta

Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm

Purple foxglove flowers on a tall spike in partial shade

Perennials

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

Foxglove is an imposing plant with tall flower spikes packed with thimble-shaped blooms in purple, pink, or white. The flowers appear from June to July on one-sided spires reaching up to one and a half metres. The plant is biennial but self-sows reliably, returning each summer. Note: all parts are poisonous.

Partial shadeMedium100–150 cm

Perennials

Geranium 'Rozanne'

Geranium 'Rozanne' is one of the longest-flowering perennials, producing bright blue-violet blooms from June until the first frost. It grows as a wide, low mound and makes an outstanding ground cover. Rozanne is tough, disease-free, and fits nearly any garden style.

Partial shadeLow30–50 cm