Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Acanthus mollis 'Summer Beauty' is known for its ornamental foliage and striking flower spikes. This cultivar features a more compact growth habit and longer bloom time compared to other Acanthus species.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck young plants into well-draining soil in spring
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 6 weeks in growing season
- Prune back in late winter to encourage new growth
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues and promote healthy growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead leaves
- Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not neglect pruning to maintain plant vigor
- Avoid planting in overly shady spots
- Refrain from using heavy clay soil without amendments
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches questions
What zones can Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches grow in?
Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches deer resistant?
Yes — Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches bloom?
Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches need full sun?
Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Acanthus to compare
Spiny Bear's Breeches
Acanthus spinosus 'Spinosissimus'
Balkan Bear's Breeches
Acanthus balcanicus
Hungarian Bear's Breeches
Acanthus hungaricus
Rue Ledan Bear's Breeches
Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan'
Tasmanian Angel Bear's Breeches
Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel'
Balkan Bear's Breeches
Acanthus caroli-alexandri
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
