{"product_id":"acanthus-mollis","title":"Acanthus mollis","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBear's Breeches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acanthus mollis\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acanthaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mediterranean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen to semi-evergreen clump-forming perennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAcanthus mollis is a bold, architectural perennial with large, deeply lobed glossy dark-green leaves that form dramatic evergreen clumps. In late spring and summer, tall dramatic spikes carry striking pink-and-white hooded flowers above the foliage, creating a classical Mediterranean statement. Tough, drought-tolerant once established, and thriving in Adelaide's climate, this ancient garden favourite delivers year-round structure and seasonal flower drama with minimal fuss. Ideal for shaded borders, understory plantings, large containers, and water-wise gardens seeking architectural impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.9–1.2 m H (foliage clump) × 0.9–1.5 m W; 1.5–2.0 m H in flower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–40 cm per year under good conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, deeply lobed glossy dark-green leaves; bold architectural form; evergreen to semi-evergreen (may die back partially in cold winters or extreme heat, but recovers quickly)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tall, dramatic flower spikes with white hooded flowers and purple-pink bracts; blooms late spring through summer (October–January)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not fragrant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bold architectural foliage year-round; spectacular late spring–summer flower spikes; impressive structural presence even when not in bloom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent drought tolerance once established; heat-tolerant with afternoon shade; frost-hardy (tolerates moderate frosts; foliage may be damaged in hard frosts but recovers); wind-tolerant; coastal-tolerant in sheltered positions; requires free-draining soil—will not tolerate waterlogging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e Border\/mass planting: 60–90 cm apart (clumps expand over time); Feature\/specimen: 1 plant per focal point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally not listed as toxic; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset; sap can irritate skin—discourage chewing and handle with gloves when pruning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade (in Adelaide: morning sun with afternoon shade ideal; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot inland areas; tolerates deep shade but flowers less)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained loam, sandy loam, or clay loam; thrives in fertile soils enriched with organic matter; tolerates Adelaide's alkaline soils; excellent drainage essential—avoid waterlogged sites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eEstablishment:\u003c\/em\u003e Deep soak twice weekly for 8–12 weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eEstablished:\u003c\/em\u003e Deep soak weekly in summer (more during heatwaves); fortnightly in spring and autumn; minimal to no watering in winter once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate maintenance; remove spent flower spikes after blooming to maintain tidiness (or leave for architectural seed heads); trim tatty or damaged leaves in late winter; divide congested clumps every 4–6 years in autumn or spring to maintain vigour; mulch generously to retain moisture and suppress weeds; watch for snails and slugs (especially on new growth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10–20+ years (long-lived perennial; established clumps can persist for decades with occasional division and good drainage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for temperate and Mediterranean South Australia—Adelaide plains, foothills, Fleurieu Peninsula, sheltered coastal and inland gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5); highly adaptable—tolerates slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBold mass plantings or clusters for dramatic foliage impact in shaded borders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eUnderstory plantings beneath deciduous trees or in woodland-style gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFeature specimens in large containers and pots for patios and courtyards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMediterranean and classical gardens for authentic historical appeal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFoliage contrast with fine-textured grasses, strappy leaf plants (lomandra, dianella), and dark evergreen shrubs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDry shade gardens where other plants struggle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eArchitectural accents in contemporary or formal landscapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCut flowers and seed heads for fresh and dried arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBold, architectural, and effortlessly dramatic—Acanthus mollis brings classical Mediterranean beauty to Adelaide gardens with minimal fuss. The glossy, deeply lobed leaves provide year-round structure, while the tall flower spikes create a spectacular late-spring display. Drought-tolerant, shade-loving, and tough enough to thrive where many plants fail, it's the ultimate architectural perennial for water-wise South Australian gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"140mm Pot","offer_id":48751118713084,"sku":"ACAN-MOLL-140MM","price":12.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/acanthus-mollis-bear_s-breeches-140mm-flower-adelaide-plant-co.jpg?v=1770426859","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/acanthus-mollis","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}