<< Previous Plant  |   Next Plant >> Acanthus spinosus Spiny Bear's Breeches This species of bear's breeches is a clump-forming perennial which is grown as much for its attractive foliage as for its architecturally bold flower spikes. Features pure white, snapdragon-like flowers enclosed by spiny, mauve-purple bracts and arranged in vertical rows on substantial flower spikes which rise well above the foliage mound to 3-4' tall. Blooms from late spring into mid summer. Deeply-cut, arching, glossy green, spiny, thistle-like leaves (2-3' long) form an ornamental mound of long-stalked, basal foliage which usually remains attractive throughout the growing season. Characteristics & Attributes Exposure Part Shade Sun Soil Moisture Needs Good Drainage Average Moist Season of Interest (Flowering) Late Spring / Early Summer Critter Resistance Deer Resistant Growth Rate Medium Season of Interest (Foliage) Summer Late Summer Late Spring / Early Summer Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wide range of soils except poorly-drained ones. Can be slow to establish in the garden, but somewhat difficult to eradicate once established since small sections of root left behind can sprout new plants. Interesting Notes Along with its close relative, Acanthus mollis, the leaves of this plant have been forever immortalized as the foliage depicted on the sculptured capitals of ancient Greek Corinthian columns.