Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Acanthus mollis
Bear's Breech
Acanthus mollis is a vigorous architectural perennial, forming broad clumps of large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves topped in summer by tall white flower spikes with dusky purple bracts. It tolerates anything from sun to shade and becomes quite drought tolerant once established, provided the soil is reasonably fertile and well drained.
✅ Bold glossy foliage gives strong structure
✅ Tall flower spikes are useful for cutting
⚠️ Deep roots make established plants hard to remove
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 1.0 m — 1.5 m
- Max Spread
- 1.0 m — 1.5 m
- Growth Habit
- Tall, narrow growth habit with strongly vertical main stems.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Sun Full Shade Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North South East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Exposed / Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−20 to −15 °C) Very cold-hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Architectural
- Flower Borders
- Merits
-
- Drought Resistant
- Generally pest-free
- Low Maintenance
- Good for Cut Flowers
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How to Grow Hydrangeas in Ireland: The Complete Guide
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Best Hydrangeas for Small Gardens
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