Growing Acanthus (Bear's Breeches)

Pronunciation: uh-kan'thus  

In the North and on the West Coast, grow in full sun or partial shade and average garden soil. In the South, plant in partial shade and soil that is moist in summer but well drained in winter. Slugs and snails may chew holes in leaves; set out shallow bowls of beer to keep the population in check, put down diatomaceous earth (available at many garden centers) as a barrier, or (in the South) mulch with Zoysia lawn clippings. The foliage is evergreen but may emerge the worse for wear and tear from severe winters. At the limits of cold hardiness (Zone 6 [-10°]), mulch heavily in fall.