Overview

Acanthus spinosus spinosissimus is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Acanthus, part of the Acanthaceae family. Acanthus spinosus spinosissimus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soil soils.

About

Acanthus spinosus spinosissimus is a herbaceous perennial in the Acanthaceae, notable for deeply cut leaves with spiny margins and erect flower spikes. It produces white flowers set against maroon bracts and flowers in the UK from June to August. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Often used where bold basal foliage and vertical flower stems are wanted.

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About the genus

Acanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean Basin and Asia. This flowering plant is nectar-producing and depends on butterflies, such as Anartia fatima, and other nectar-feeding organisms to distribute its pollen. Common names include acanthus and bear's breeches.

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In the garden

Acanthus spinosus spinosissimus comes from the Mediterranean region and belongs to the Acanthaceae family; it has been grown in Britain for centuries and is familiar in traditional herbaceous borders. The plant forms a clump of large, deeply lobed leaves from which upright racemes of white flowers with maroon bracts rise and bloom from June to August. Plant it where it receives full sun or partial shade and in soil that drains freely but retains some moisture; it will not suit waterlogged sites. Keep a clear area around the crown so the basal leaves can spread and access light. Avoid heavy, compacted soils without improving structure or drainage first. In UK gardens it is most at home as a structural element at the back of a border or as a specimen within a mixed herbaceous scheme, where the tall flowering stems provide vertical emphasis and the foliage supplies architectural form. The long-lasting summer spikes make it useful for repeating vertical accents through a border from June to August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Acanthus

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained soil

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Plant details

Acanthus spinosus spinosissimus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

herbaceous perennial

Frequently asked questions