ACANTHUS spinosus

Acanthus spinosus forms bold clumps of deeply cut, glossy green, spiny-margined leaves, sending up striking vertical spires in early to mid-summer. The tall flower spikes carry hooded, white flowers handsomely set off by purple bracts, creating a strong architectural statement for mixed borders. Best in sun or light shade on fertile, well-drained soil, it makes a dramatic accent or back-of-border plant. Semi-evergreen in mild areas of Ireland, foliage may persist through winter or die back and re-sprout in spring. Expect an eventual height around 1–1.5m with a spread close to 1m.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Sun or light shade

Rate of Growth: Moderate

Soil: Fertile, well-drained; average moisture

Hardiness: Hardy perennial for typical Irish winters

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Plant at a Glance