Spiny bear's breeches is a bold, 3 to 4 foot high perennial with large, shiny, thistle-like leaves. Spikes of white with mauve color flowers tower above the foliage in early summer. A good back of the border plant or use as a specimen. Plants grown in northern climates benefit with a layer of winter mulch.
Botanical name:
All Common Names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Tree or Plant Type:
- Perennial
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Landscape Uses:
- Foundation,
- Mixed border,
- Specimen
Size Range:
- Large plant (more than 24 inches)
Light Exposure:
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7,
- Zone 8,
- Zone 9
Soil Preference:
- Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest:
- Early summer
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Purple
Shape or Form:
- Arching,
- Mounded,
- Upright
Growth Rate:
- Slow
More Information:
Size
3 to 4 feet high and 3 feet wide; mounded plant
Plant Care
Best in part shade in well drained, organic rich soil; will tolerate clay soil provide there is good drainage.
Plants benefit with morning sun and afternoon shade
In cool summers plants will tolerate more sun and drier conditions
In northern climates add a layer of mulch to protect root system in winter
Wait to cut back dead foliage until spring
Deadhead flower stalks by cutting back to the ground
Can be aggressive in sandy soils
Disease, pests, and problems
Slugs and snails, root rots in wet soil; powdery mildew
Native geographic location and habitat
Eastern Mediteranean; Italy to Greece, Turkey and Algeria
Leaf description
Large, deeply cut, pinnately compound leaves; thistle-like with a sharp spine at the tip. Each leathery leaf is 18 to 24 inches long and shiny. Most foliage is mounded at base.
Flower description
The mauve-purple and white, trumpet-shaped flowers are born on a 2 to 4 foot high flower stalk in early summer
Fruit description
not showy