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More Information:                                

Distribution:  Southeastern Europe.

Synonyms:  RHS uses Acanthus spinosus for Acanthus spinosissimus.

Hardiness Zone:  USDA Zones 5-10       (view USDA zone map)

Size:   3-4 ft. by 3 ft.

Form:   Herbaceous perennial.

Bark:   

Stem/Bud:    Stems are erect, tall, sturdy and form a dense clump.

Leaves:    Long, arching basal-formed leaves are broad, deeply divided and cut, leathery, dark green, thistle-like and have spiny points.

Fall Color:   

Flower:    Flowers are pink to purple with spiny bracts; flowering June to July.

Fruit:    Fruit are two-celled capsules with two seeds in each cell.

Uses:    Use in a shade garden as a specimen plant or as an accent plant with hosta and ferns. Flower spikes can be used in dried flower arrangements.

Problems:       Snails and slugs can become a problem.

Culture:    Grow in full sun or part-shade in well-drained soil. Mulch in the winter for protection.

Links:   

Notes:    RHS uses Acanthus spinosus. RHS says Acanthus spinosus Spinosissima Group is a group of hybrids between A. mollis and A. spinosus. Sometimes Acanthus spinosus var. spinosissima is used (Still). Leaves thistle like. Flowers white, but leaves are most showy part of plant; grows best in shady sites.

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Cultivars:   

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