Acanthus mollis Hollards Gold - Bear's Breech

The Acanthus mollis 'Hollard's Gold' or Golden Acanthus is an architectural perennial that has always been sought after in gardens. Fast growth offers a beautiful, abundant, and long-lasting flowering from June to August. Tall upright flower spikes bear white flowers with purple bracts and toothed edges. The floral corollas measure 5 cm (2in) in diameter.

'Hollard's Gold' Acanthus mollis is a spreading shrub composed of bright semi-evergreen foliage that is highly decorative. It has large ovate and toothed leaves, golden yellow turning green as they age, arranged opposite each other and deeply lobed. The foliage of Acanthus mollis is found in Corinthian-style decorations. At maturity, it can reach a height of 80 cm with a spread of 80 cm (32in). The species is native to the Mediterranean Basin and Asia Minor, and is a vigorous plant that can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F).

This plant is perfect for perennial borders with decorative foliage, similar to giant dahlias. It is also grown as a stand-alone plant, providing volume and lightness against a dark backdrop of hedges and conifers. The flowers of Acanthus mollis can be used to create beautiful fresh or dried bouquets. The plant pairs well with wildflowers or soft foliage to create a lovely contrast. It can be planted in areas where few plants thrive, such as under a pine tree or oak tree. Acanthus is still used today in traditional medicine to treat inflammation. It was also used in the past to obtain a yellow colour.