Bear's breech

Bears-breech (Acanthus) - tately perennials with fine foliage, mostly coming from the countries round the Mediterranean, and hardy. On rocky banks, borders of the bolder sort, and in almost any position among the more vigorous hardy plants they look well, and will thrive in partial shade, yet to flower well should have full sun. Acanthuses succeed best on warm, deep soil, though they will live in almost any. They are easily increased by division of the roots in winter, and may be raised from seed.

There are several hardy kinds:—A. hispanicus, A. longifolius, A. mollis, A. m. latifolius (A. lusitanicus), A. niger, and A. spinosissimus.