Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Acanthus spinosus
Spiny Bear's Breeches
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Height
- 36 to 48 inches
- Width
- 24 to 36 inches
- Flower color
- White with purple bracts, tall spiky inflorescences
- Foliage color
- Deep green, spiny, deeply lobed leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; cut back after blooming, divide clumps every few years
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Acanthus spinosus is an elegant perennial known for its bold, deeply lobed and spiny dark green leaves, which form an impressive architectural base. Tall spikes of hooded, white flowers with purple bracts rise above the foliage, blooming from late spring through mid-summer. The contrast between the delicate flowers and the spiny foliage creates a dramatic and unique garden feature.
Originating from the Mediterranean region, Acanthus spinosus is well-suited to dry, sunny gardens and lends an exotic, classical charm to borders and architectural plantings. Its dramatic presence and long-lasting blooms make it a popular choice for adding structure and texture to garden designs.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the waterwise garden and in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
