Acanthus hungaricus

Acanthus hungaricus, Long-Leaved Bear's Breeches, is a handsome herbaceous perennial with exotic, arching, deeply-dissected foliage similar superficially to Acanthus spinosus but with leaves that are larger, lusher and more full and without the spines. The tall architectural columnar racemes are perhaps even more impressive than that of either Acanthus spinosus or Acanthus mollis. The vertically-arranged flowers are whitish with a pale tinge of pink and the mature upper bracts are purple while the lower greenish-white bracts are dramatically marked with contrasting green veins. The flowers open from the base, gradually appearing one after another up each magnificent eye-arresting inflorescence.

Acanthus hungaricus likes a deep, rich, well-drained soil and full sun and appreciates being watered in the summer months although it is capable of withstanding long periods of drought because of its deep and tenacious roots. Because of these deep roots, it should be planted in its permanent position and not moved.