Grecian Pattern/Bear's Breeches

Notice Bear's Breech underneath the Bougainvillea.

Fans of the mighty Gunnera who live in Tucson are truly saddened that they cannot grow this giant beauty in our landscape.  The closest plant that I've found that looks similiar to the Gunnera is the Grecian Pattern or Bear's Breech plant.  It's lush and green with a STRONG root system.  It likes bright and sunny shade but will not grow well in full shade.  I made the mistake of placing this plant in full shade and it almost died on me, but the roots were so strong that it made a comeback.  Today it gets some sun and is doing well.  Make sure it gets regular water.

This is Gunnera but forget about growing it here unless you have a conservatory.  This pic taken in Costa Rica.

In some areas, this plant can be invasive but here in Tucson, it makes a nice and lush statement in a pot or planter.  It can tolerate morning sun but protect from the strong afternoon light.  The leaves will burn.  It will dieback to the ground in winter, but come back up in spring. It can get 6 to 8 feet tall and just as wide if given the room. This plant is hardy from Zones 7 to 9a.  It has a purple/white flower in late spring and is listed as drought tolerant.   I have this plant in my pot collection with other tropicals like the Datura and Caladium.  It acts as the "Filler" in my tropical theme of "Thriller, Filler, Spiller" More tropicals on the way....

Here is the combo I used in early spring.  The Bear's Breech or Grecian Pattern is on the lower right side of the pot.

The Additions

A quick post today before school starts this week and then I won't have time to write.  I need to log a picture and info on the Bears Breeches for later comparison.



The Pakistani Mulberry Tree

 The Pakistan Mulberry is the biggest surprise this year as it has doubled in size since I put it in the ground in June.  It is legal here because it produces fruit otherwise the city of Tucson has banned non fruiting mulberries due to their heavy pollination and high allergy rate in spring.

Finally a follow up on the Bears Breeches or Acanthus Mollis.  My first blog was about an attempt to grow Gunnera....and that was a laughable attempt.  "Some would say I'm a dreamer....." It didn't grow AT ALL from seed and I watered and did everything I was told....but the simple fact is that I live in Tucson.  So I found Bears Breeches because I like the leaf structure and it has that rubarb feel like gunnera did.  I put it in too much shade and almost killed it....so I pulled it from the planter and the leaves all died, but I was told the root system is vigourous so I left it in the pot and voila!!!, if a leaf hasn't shot up from the ground....so I am happy about that as I don't want to spend money on something again if it can be saved. I have a special spot for recovery plants behind the shed...no one can see them and it gives them a second chance in my make shift plant "hospital":)  I also went to Mesquite Valley Growers today after our awesome rain event last night and was overwhelmed with so many choices...so I left and will come back when I have money:) Happy Gardening!