This hybrid is a big, highly architectural perennial with beautiful bold foliage. Allow enough room for it to make its presence known. It...Read More will take several years to reach its full size.
The flower bracts have sharp spines, but the leaves are smooth and unarmed.
Two plants planted last June survived the winter, somewhat milder than usual, and are doing well. One is sending up a bloom stalk.
Active vegetative growth is in spring. Here near its hardiness limit, it should be planted in spring to allow it to establish before winter comes.
Most easily propagated by inserting a spade vertically through the edge of the root ball in autumn. The root cuttings will make new plants.
I bought a Bear's Breech when I lived in Austin, Texas. It grew wonderful there. I had to move about a year later to Carrizo Springs, Tex...Read Moreas so I dug it up and transplanted it in the ground and it never missed a beat. It is growing beautifully down here. We had a terrible Artic Blast that lasted 4 days. the temperature stayed in the teens and 20's. I was afraid to look out my door to see how it weathered, low and behold it was still green, just wilted from the strong winds and lack of moisture. Watered it and seems to be ok! I wished I had 10 more of these beautiful plants.
When in Rome for a weekend in early May I saw a multitude of these plants growing all along the hillsides surrounding the Coliseum. In m...Read Moreass they were spectacular. I think these would do well as a replacement for cycads where the latter are not hardy. In architectural form and strength of presence these perennials are well deserving of a home in any garden.
I have not, myself, grown this plant; all retailers charge more than I make in two hours, (my budget for any plant not over four feet in height.) I will continue to search for an affordable specimen, though, as this striking plant has a permanent spot near the top of my 'must have' list.
Wonderful specimen plant or mixed with ferns and hostas. In my zone,(8) it needs mostly shade, as it wilts after a couple of hours of mi...Read Mored-day to afternoon sun. Perks right back up with a bit of water, though. Over winter's just fine with protection when there's heavy frost.
This hybrid is a big, highly architectural perennial with beautiful bold foliage. Allow enough room for it to make its presence known. It...Read More
I bought a Bear's Breech when I lived in Austin, Texas. It grew wonderful there. I had to move about a year later to Carrizo Springs, Tex...Read More
When in Rome for a weekend in early May I saw a multitude of these plants growing all along the hillsides surrounding the Coliseum. In m...Read More
Wonderful specimen plant or mixed with ferns and hostas. In my zone,(8) it needs mostly shade, as it wilts after a couple of hours of mi...Read More