Felder Rushing
Family
Acanthaceae
Botanical Name
Acanthus mollis
Plant Common Name
Bank Ursine, Bear's Breeches, Oyster Plant
General Description
This interesting Old World perennial has a coarse upright habit that adds texture to sunny gardens. Bear's breeches is quite hardy and summer-blooming. It is native to regions in southwestern Europe, though it has been in cultivation for a long time.
The long, sharply lobed, coarse leaves of bear’s breeches are deep green and form large, showy rosettes. In summer, tall, upright spikes of two-lipped, tubular maroon and white flowers are produced. Once spent, the old blooms should be cut back to make best of the attractive semi-evergreen foliage.
Grow this stately plant in full to partial sun and fertile soil with good drainage. It is an old-fashioned garden favorite that’s commonly planted in historic gardens across Europe. Both the foliage and flowers offer striking interest, and its tall flower stems can be cut for floral arrangements.
Plants are reliably hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 6 but will survive in Zone 5 with protection.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 11
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Southern Europe, Western Europe, Africa
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Burgundy, Ivory
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
