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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus¹) |
| Origin: Mediterranean (Europe) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [Acanthus spinosus, Hort.] |
| Parentage: (Acanthus spinosus x A. mollis) |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: <15° F |
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Acanthus spinosissimus (Spiny Bear's Breech) - Interesting spiny leafed perennial to 18-24 inches tall by 2 feet wide, with dark green deeply lobed spine tipped leaves. Vertical flower spikes, appearing in early summer, are 2-3 feet tall, with tubular pale purple flowers subtended by spiny purple bracts. Plant in light shade or morning sun and water moderately. Hardy to 5 degrees F or below. The name Acanthus x spinosissimus is often used to describe a group of hybrids between A. spinosus and A. mollis with leaves even more spiny than A. spinosus. In some literature the name is considered a synonym of A. spinosus or to be a synonym of A. mollis spp. mollis. According the Royal Horticultural Encyclopedia, most plants sold as A. spinosus actually belong in the A. spinosissimus group.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.
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