Acanthus mollis Tasmanian Angel - Bear's Breech

The Acanthus mollis Tasmanian Angel is a fantastic variety of the Acanthus mollis discovered in a garden in Tasmania. Shorter than its Mediterranean cousin, it is, however, even more ornamental: its beautifully cut foliage quickly changes from yellow to almost white in spring, gradually variegating to dark green until summer, while stout pinkish flower spikes emerge carrying numerous flowers hidden by pearly bracts, of a magnificent cream-white pink. This superb perennial is perfect for brightening the garden's slightly shaded areas, adding a touch of exoticism. It also allows for fantastic flowering pots for the terrace or balcony, preferably in partial shade.

Acanthus mollis comes from the Greek 'akhantha', thorn, and the Latin 'mollis', which means soft and gentle. A name that embodies the duality of this plant, both soft and thorny. It is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Acanthaceae family, native to the clear undergrowth of Mediterranean regions. The shrub spreads through large fleshy roots, reserve organs allowing it to withstand summer drought, resting underground. Very tolerant of soil, the Acanthus adapts well to limestone but does not appreciate compact and clayey soils that are very wet and cold in winter. However, this well-established shrub can withstand brief frosts of around -12°C (10.4°F) to -15°C in well-drained soil.

The 'Tasmanian Angel' variety distinguishes itself with slightly less growth, with white variegated foliage and flowers devoid of the typical green colour. It is a dense, upright, bushy plant that can form a large shrub 60-70 cm (24-28in) tall for the foliage and 70 cm (1 and 28in) wide. In spring, it produces pale yellow young leaves. They then unfold into long leaves with prominent white markings. As summer approaches, the lamina slowly turns dark green. They are slightly shiny, deeply cut, with lobes that are not thorny but toothed. In June-July (May-June in warmer climates), while the foliage tends to deteriorate, tall flower stalks appear, reaching 1 m (3ft) or 1.20 m (4ft) above the ground. They bear dense floral spikes reaching 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in). These stout spikes gather large crumpled flowers with two lips. Each flower is topped with a cream-white spiny bract tinged with pink, giving the flower heads a pastel appearance in soft pink and white. The flowering attracts large pollinating insects, such as bumblebees or large black bees. The fruits are shiny capsules containing large seeds. The foliage completely disappears after flowering if the summer is dry, reappearing in autumn and remaining evergreen throughout the winter in not-too-cold climates.

Although not the hardiest of the genus, the 'Tasmanian Angel' Acanthus is easy to grow and thrives where it likes, in the shade of not-too-dry undergrowth during flowering. This plant with antique charm loves the base of old walls, the proximity of a small stone staircase, in partial shade. It is a beautiful border plant in cool climates, in the company of the green-flowered rose and the 'Snow Thimble' foxglove. In a dry garden, it is a robust, reliable perennial that pairs well with boxwood balls, Lobelia laxiflora, and Glacier Blue Spurge. It is ideal for adding verticality and volume to perennial plant borders. It is also a beautiful focal plant placed in a natural setting or a large container on the patio.