The reason we have chosen Acanthus spinosus as our plant of the month is because the ones we have planted close to the office have generated so much interest with people asking what they are that we couldn’t resist naming them.

Acanthus spinosus or ‘Bear’s Breeches’ have a striking architectural quality of both the foliage and flowers which makes them irresistible to designers looking for a bold statement plant for a large border.  Large, upright foxglove like flowers emerge above dark green cut foliage making a stunning centre piece for the late spring to mid summer border.

In warmer regions the leaves will remain during the winter providing an addiotional season of interest.

Plant in a sunny or dappled shade spot in anything but waterlogging soil, once established Acanthus will happily bulk up and spread.  If it likes it’s position too much it may become invasive so best to plant in a contained border where it can’t spread too far.

We like to combine Acanthus with bold yellows of Lonicera nitida and brash colours of Lychnis coronaria and Gerranium ‘Renardii’

For a stunning effect Acanthus take very well to being planted in gravel gardens with grasses.

So, take the plunge and bring some architectural impact to your garden.