Acanthus 'WHITEWATER' bear's breeches
Acanthus
Acanthus is a genus of roughly 25–30 species in the family Acanthaceae, first described in Species Plantarum in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778). Its species occur naturally from the Mediterranean through parts of Africa to Asia and northern Australia, with the greatest diversity concentrated around the Mediterranean basin and in tropical Asia. Fossil evidence suggests that members of this group were already prominent herbs of warm regions in deep geological time. Across the genus, the defining features are large basal rosettes of leaves and striking inflorescences that feel more architectural than floral. In English, acanthus is commonly known as bear’s breeches, a name inspired by the size, texture and deeply lobed shape of the leaves, which were likened to the coarse, folded trousers worn by hunters or to the heavy, shaggy hide of a bear. Early botanists and gardeners alike were struck by the plant’s bold presence and its ability to dominate space, making it an easily recognisable genus even for non-specialists.
For cultivation outside its native range, including in cooler climates, Acanthus is often improved through hybridisation, most commonly between Acanthus mollis and Acanthus spinosus. This pairing makes practical sense: A. mollis contributes large, sculptural leaves and a softer, more spreading rosette, while A. spinosus adds a firmer, more upright habit and greater tolerance of less-than-ideal conditions. The resulting forms retain the iconic acanthus leaf look but perform better on compromise sites. In the Mediterranean world, the leaf shape carries a strong cultural legacy: the stylised acanthus leaf has been used since antiquity, and especially in Romanesque architecture, as an ornamental motif on column capitals, cornices and portals. The same motif migrated into applied arts, appearing in embroidery, goldsmith’s work and the decoration of trays, bowls and jugs.
Bear’s breeches variety Whitewater is a true tour de force by Janet N. Egger of Terra Nova® Nurseries in Oregon, USA. At first glance, it captivates with its boldly variegated leaves, whose pattern resembles an irregular wash of white paint – without symmetry or repetition, and with a softly patinated effect that shifts with light and leaf age. The leaves are deeply lobed, sculptural, and substantial, reaching up to 23 cm in length and approximately 17 cm in width, creating a strong architectural presence from early spring onward. Even without flowers, the plant functions as a finished specimen, immediately drawing the eye in the border. In the milder regions of western and southern Europe, the foliage may persist through winter, while in central Europe the plant typically dies back and resprouts from the ground in spring.
In July, well-established, mature plants produce sturdy stems about 50 cm tall, flushed reddish toward the top and bearing attractive, deadnettle-like flowers in soft shades of white and pale pink. Flowering occurs mainly in warm, sheltered sites with very fertile soil; in cooler regions, ‘Whitewater’ is valued primarily as a striking foliage perennial. Thanks to the contrasting leaf pattern, it remains decorative throughout the entire growing season. Our experience shows that, due to its light-coloured foliage, it does not tolerate full sun or drought well and requires a semi-shaded position with regular watering and feeding.
‘Whitewater’ is a deliberate and complex hybrid resulting from a cross between the cultivars ‘Summer Beauty’ and ‘Tasmanian Angel’®. ‘Summer Beauty’ itself is an interspecific hybrid of Acanthus mollis × Acanthus spinosus, meaning that ‘Whitewater’ combines traits of both species. The result is a cultivar with bold and stable variegation, vigorous growth, and improved frost hardiness compared to what is typical of pure forms of Acanthus mollis.
In Central Europe, acanthus is treated as a perennial that hates frequent or prolonged waterlogging, especially in winter. Plant it only in well-drained, humus-rich soil with ample nutrients, and mulch generously for winter protection. The mulch shields the roots from frost and from fluctuations in moisture; in spring, remove part of it carefully, but leave a protective layer in place, as the plant appreciates even moisture during early growth. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, yet regular watering during the first two years and in prolonged summer heat will encourage sturdy flower stems and better flowering. Feeding from April to July with a balanced fertiliser or compost promotes large, healthy leaves; avoid excessive nitrogen later in the season, which leads to soft, fragile growth. As for hardiness, well-drained, mulched and sheltered sites have already seen plants survive temperatures down to −20 °C (USDA zone 6b), and further testing is ongoing.
Last update 20-10-2022; 02-02-2026
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