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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Acanthus spinosus

Spiny Bear's Breeches

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.