Acanthus flowers are prized for their beautiful foliage, which has been used for millennia in architectural adornments. These plants showcase classical beauty, making them a lovely addition to any home garden. In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about Acanthus flower meaning and symbolism, their history and origins, and how to grow these exquisite blooms at home.
- Acanthus Flower Meaning – The Essentials
- Acanthus Meaning in the Language of Flowers
- The Meaning of Different Acanthus Flower Colors:
- Acanthus Flower Symbolism and Cultural Significance
- Suitable Gifting Occasions for Acanthus Flowers
- About the Acanthus Flower
- Popular Acanthus Flower Types, Species, and Cultivars
- Uses and Benefits of Acanthus Flowers
- How to Grow and Care for Acanthus Flowers at Home
- Acanthus Flower FAQs:
Acanthus Flower Meaning – The Essentials
- Acanthus flowers symbolize immortality, rebirth, and long life. In the Victorian Flower Language, the acanthus symbolized fine art and artifice.
- Known more for their attractive foliage more so than their blossoms, acanthus leaves also carry symbolic weight.
- Acanthus leaves are used as decorations on tombstones and in cemeteries to symbolize immortality and enduring life.
- In Christian traditions, the thorny leaves of some acanthus species are equated with Christ’s crown of thorns and ideas of sin, punishment, and repentance.
Acanthus Meaning in the Language of Flowers
In floral symbolism and the language of flowers, Acanthus carry the following meanings:
Artistic Beauty:
The Acanthus flower is often considered a symbol of artistic beauty and creativity. It has been used as a decorative motif in various art forms, architecture, and design throughout history, particularly in ancient Greek and Roman art.
Perseverance and Endurance:
The Acanthus flower is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging environments. As a result, it can symbolize resilience, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Hope and Inspiration:
The intricate and elegant design of the Acanthus leaves has inspired artists, architects, and craftsmen for centuries. Therefore, the flower can also represent inspiration, ingenuity, and the spark of creative ideas.
Transformation:
In some cultures, the Acanthus flower is associated with transformation and rebirth. Its growth pattern, with leaves that curl and unfurl, can be seen as a metaphor for personal growth, change, and the cyclical nature of life.
The Meaning of Different Acanthus Flower Colors:
Acanthus flowers bloom in shades of white, pink, and purple. Each color has its own symbolic significance in the Victorian Language of Flowers.
White Acanthus Flower Meaning
White flowers can represent purity and grace or sorrow, sympathy, and condolences depending on the situation.
Pink Acanthus Flower Meaning
Pink flowers symbolize feelings of gentle affection, femininity, and sweet happiness.
Purple Acanthus Flower Meaning
Deeper shades of purple represent royalty, respect, and tradition. Lighter shades like lavender symbolize elegance, grace, and youth.
Acanthus Flower Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Today, acanthus flowers are generally understood as a symbol of long life, enduring life, rebirth, and immortality. With these meanings attached, acanthus leaves and flowers are a common addition to funerary wreaths, and they often adorn gravesites and tombstones.
In Christian traditions, the sometimes thorny acanthus leaves are associated with Christ’s crown of thorns. These thorny leaves can also symbolize punishment and sinfulness.
Acanthus leaves have a special place in classical architecture and art. They were commonly imitated in the ornamental motif of Corinthian column capitals. They’re also commonly found adorning Greco-Roman friezes, fountains, and pottery. As a result of their popular use in classical architecture, acanthus leaves have become a common symbol of architecture and architects.
The plants also appear in Greek mythology. Acantha was a nymph who rejected the god Apollo’s affection. As punishment, he transformed her into an acanthus flower.
Suitable Gifting Occasions for Acanthus Flowers
With their slightly odd symbolic meanings, acanthus flowers aren’t always the most appropriate choice for a gift. However, there are occasions for giving acanthus plants and recipients who will appreciate them.
The acanthus leaf’s strong association with classical architecture makes them an appropriate gift for a graduating architect or someone graduating with a degree in classical languages and literature. Additionally, the plant’s association with immortality and enduring life makes them an appropriate choice in a floral sympathy gift.
About the Acanthus Flower
The Acanthus Flower – Family, Genus, and Taxonomy
Commonly called bear’s breeches, Acanthus contains roughly 30 species of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants. The Acanthus genus belongs to the Acantheae tribe, which belongs to the Acanthoideae subfamily under the Acanthaceae family.
Botanical Characteristics, Colors, and Fragrances
Acanthus plants feature striking, sometimes spiny leaves and spires of blossoms in pink, purple, or white that bloom in a snapdragon-like pattern. Acanthus plants grow in shrub-like clumps from rhizome root systems that allow acanthus plant systems to spread quite easily. Fully grown, an acanthus plant ranges in height from just below 2 feet up to nearly 7 feet.
Etymological Meaning
The name acanthus comes from the Greek word “akantha” which means “spine” and refers to the spine-like points of acanthus leaves.
The origin of the common acanthus flower name, bear’s breeches, is disputed. Some think the name may have sprung from confusion around the common name of one acanthus species whose fuzzy leaves resembled a bear’s claws.
What Regions Are Acanthus Flowers Native?
Most species of acanthus flowers are native to the warm temperate areas, tropical regions, and rocky woodlands of the Mediterranean Basin and Southeast Asia.
When Are Acanthus Flowers in Season?
Acanthus flowers are in season during spring and summer. They blossom from June through August. They are dormant during the fall and winter months.
Popular Acanthus Flower Types, Species, and Cultivars
There are around 30 species of flowering plants in the Acanthus genus. The three most common are:
Acanthus mollis
Common bear’s breeches are probably the most popular species of acanthus. It features lush, green foliage that grows in dense clumps and tall spires of white blossoms topped with purplish-pink bracts.
Acanthus spinosus
The spiny bear’s breeches plant reaches heights of about 5 feet and blossoms with pretty, hooded flowers in tones of white and cool purple.
Acanthus hungaricus
The Balkan bear’s breeches variety of acanthus has classically spiny foliage and attractive flowers in either pink or white with striking purple bracts.
Uses and Benefits of Acanthus Flowers
Herbalism and Medicine
Various acanthus species’ leaves, flowers, and roots have been used medicinally as a diuretic and antispasmodic. Additionally, it’s been used to treat asthma, arthritis, diabetes, joint disorders, and even poisonous/venomous snake bites.
It has been used topically to soothe burns and internally to calm gastrointestinal disorders and bolster the immune system. Applied topically, the plant is thought to increase blood flow, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.
Like all medicinal applications of plants and herbs, acanthus should only be used medicinally (applied topically or taken internally) with detailed guidance from a qualified medical professional.
Food and Drink
The leaves of the Acanthus ebracteatus (sea holly) are said to have antioxidant properties, and they are used to brew special herbal tea in Indonesia and Thailand.
Are Acanthus Flowers Toxic to Humans and Pets?
Acanthus has no reported toxicity to people or pets.
For more, see our in-depth guide to popular flowers that are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets.
Pollinator Paradise
Acanthus blossoms are heavy, which limits their appeal to strong insects only. Their nectar attracts large pollinators, like bumblebees, to their gardens.
Decorative Motif
Acanthus plants are most widely recognized for their use as a decorative motif. Stylizations of acanthus leaves are commonly seen imitated on jewelry, in architecture, and on other decorative items.
How to Grow and Care for Acanthus Flowers at Home
What Growing Zones Are Suitable for Acanthus Flowers?
Acanthus flowers can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. Sometimes, these plants can survive the winter in USDA hardiness zones 5 and 6, but it’s a gamble.
Where Should I Plant Acanthus Flowers?
This shrubby flowering plant does well planted in borders, flower beds, raised beds, rock gardens, cutting gardens, and containers.
Soil, Light, Watering, and Fertilizing Considerations
(mini table for the below 4 rows / 2 columns)
| Soil | Acanthus flowers love a rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. More shade is needed in hotter climates. |
| Watering | This plant is drought-tolerant and requires only about one inch of water weekly. |
| Fertilizing | Once established, acanthus plants don’t require much fertilization. Add compost or feed a balanced fertilizer once in the spring or summer. |
How to Care for Fresh-Cut Acanthus Flowers
You can cut an acanthus’s flowers to add them to a vase or dried bouquet. For long-lasting cut acanthus flowers, trim the stems before the lowest flowers have begun to fade. Be sure to use clean and sharp shears and cut the flower stem at an angle, several inches below the lowest blossoms. Put in water immediately.
Acanthus Flower FAQs:
Why is acanthus called bear’s breeches?
The name acanthus comes from the Greek word “akantha” which means “spine” and refers to the spine-like points of acanthus leaves.
Is Acanthus poisonous?
The acanthus is considered non-toxic to both pets and humans. They’ve been used as medicinal plants for centuries.
Is bear’s breeches invasive?
Left unattended, bear’s breeches can be considered an invasive plant species due to its sprawling underground root system.
What do acanthus leaves symbolize?
Acanthus leaves are used as decorations on tombstones and in cemeteries to symbolize immortality and enduring life. In Christian traditions, the thorny leaves of some acanthus species are equated with Christ’s crown of thorns and ideas of sin, punishment, and repentance.
Can the Acanthus flower symbolize love or romance?
The Acanthus flower is not commonly associated with love or romance in the language of flowers. Its symbolism is often connected to artistry, endurance, inspiration, and transformation.
What historical significance does the Acanthus flower hold?
The Acanthus flower has a rich historical significance, particularly in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Its intricate leaves were used as a decorative motif in architecture, sculpture, and other art forms. The Acanthus leaf design, known as the “Acanthus scroll,” has been widely used in various art movements, including the Corinthian order in classical architecture.
Can the Acanthus flower be used in specific occasions or celebrations?
While the Acanthus flower is not commonly used for specific occasions or celebrations, it can be incorporated into floral arrangements or designs for artistic events, creative gatherings, or circumstances that emphasize endurance, resilience, and personal growth.
Create a Classically Beautiful Garden at Home with Acanthus
Despite their funerary associations, acanthus flowers and leaves have a classic, stately look that will add elegance to any home garden. Acanthus flowers are also rich in meaning and symbolism, with a storied history dating back to Ancient Greek and Roman times.
Petal Republic’s Flower and Plant Guides:
Looking for a particular stem or in need of some inspiration on the best blooms for a certain occasion? Check out Petal Republic’s expert guides to Roses, Astrantia, Catchfly, Viburnum, Angelica, Lilies, Irises, Tulips, Orchids, Carnations, Viper’s Bugloss, Bird’s-Foot Trefoil, Gerbera Daisies, Gladiolus, Bluebells, Camellia, Coreopsis, and Peonies.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
Comments are closed.