Whitewater Bear's Breeches is a dramatic clump-forming perennial with large dark green variegated thistle-like foliage mottled with white.  The small creamy  snapdragon like flowers are inclosed by a spiny white bracts with pink tips arranged in vertical rows on large bright red  flower spikes from late spring to mid summer.   Flowers best in well-drained soils and appreciates afternoon shade in the South.  Whitewater has good slug resistance.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance.  Regular water.  Cannot tolerate wet soils.  No serious pests or diseases.   Watch for snails and slugs.  Can be an aggressive spreader.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Specimen or Mass Plantings, Borders,  Wildlife Gardens, Foundation Plantings, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS:   Bergenia, Coral Bells, Foam Flower 

IMAGE: Photo by Leonora (Ellie) Enking, Acanthus spinosus