These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and rich soil and are drought-resistant once established.
Light
Plants will do best infull sun to partial shade.
Soil
Bears breeches appreciate a rich soil withplenty of compostor otherorganic matter.
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Once established, they are more accommodating about poor soil but they need good drainage, especially in winter.
Sitting in cold, wet soil can cause the roots to rot and may kill the plants.
Water
Once established, bears breeches are very drought-resistant, but perform best with regular watering.
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An inch a week should be plenty.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants are dependably hardy.
Protect your plants during their first couple of winters with athick layer of mulch.
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In zones 6 and lower, continue this practice for the life of your plants.
Fertilizer
Bears breeches are not heavy feeders.
Start with rich soil and side dress annually with compost.
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you’re able to use abalanced fertilizerin spring or midsummer if the plants look like they need it.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Gardeners with cold winters should leave the plants standing and allow the leaves to protect the crown.
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Wait until you see new growth in the spring to cut back any damaged or declining leaves.
They can be propagated by dividing the plants or taking root cuttings.
Dividing the mature plants will keep them healthy and blooming at their best.
The best time to start bears breeches from seed is the springtime.
It will take about 21 to 25 days before you see them germinate.
Expect to wait several years for them to bloom.
They need time to grow and establish their root system before they start to send out flower buds.
Potting and Repotting Bear’s Breeches
These plants grow well in large pots orcontainer gardens.
These pests can do substantial damage if left unchecked.
Spraying them with a salt spray solution or using diatomaceous earth will get these pests under control.
Good air circulation and a dose ofhomemade fungicidewill eliminate these issues.
Once the plant begins to flower, expect to see blooms for three to four weeks.
What Do Bear’s Breeches' Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Pink-mauve bracts surround the spikes of white flowers that resemble snapdragons.
Deadheading Bear’s Breeches' Flowers
Deadhead at the end of a season when the flowers fade.
Mature bear’s breech plants are somewhat drought-tolerant but younger plants need regular watering.
Both deer and rabbit tend to leave bear’s breeches alone.
Bear’s Breech.Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
