Posted 12:34 am Thursday, April 19, 2012
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Ancient Romans Loved This Plant
By Dee Bishop
Smith County Master Gardener
If you want a real wow factor in your garden, I mean a bold architectural statement, plant an Acanthus mollis or Bear’s Breech. The ancient Romans thought so much of this plant they used Acanthus leaves to adorn the Corinthian columns of their magnificent buildings.
Acanthus is an easy plant to grow and a shade lover. Some morning sun or dappled sun, in other words, bright shade is what it prefers. Rich moist soil that retains moisture is perfect. I tried growing one in my dry sandy soil and had to water it constantly.
Smith County Master Gardener
If you want a real wow factor in your garden, I mean a bold architectural statement, plant an Acanthus mollis or Bear’s Breech. The ancient Romans thought so much of this plant they used Acanthus leaves to adorn the Corinthian columns of their magnificent buildings.
Acanthus is an easy plant to grow and a shade lover. Some morning sun or dappled sun, in other words, bright shade is what it prefers. Rich moist soil that retains moisture is perfect. I tried growing one in my dry sandy soil and had to water it constantly.
If you have clay based soil or can dig in lots of compost and keep it watered, acanthus will grow for you. Just make sure you give it plenty of room: 4 or 5 feet of room. Acanthus is a very large plant, it will not take second place in the garden.
Now why on earth would someone name this truly magnificent plant Bear’s Breech or Bear’s Breeches? It seems the soft hairy leaves and stalks reminded ancient Europeans of a bear’s rump. I won’t argue since we aren’t that familiar with bears’ rumps.
I do think a better name could be fastened to this lovely.
Dee Bishop is a Smith County Master Gardener. She writes about plants growing in Tyler Rose Garden.
Now why on earth would someone name this truly magnificent plant Bear’s Breech or Bear’s Breeches? It seems the soft hairy leaves and stalks reminded ancient Europeans of a bear’s rump. I won’t argue since we aren’t that familiar with bears’ rumps.
I do think a better name could be fastened to this lovely.
Dee Bishop is a Smith County Master Gardener. She writes about plants growing in Tyler Rose Garden.
