Acanthus

A very floriferous hybrid with wide, very polished leaves.

Far less imposing than other species, the leaves are grey and slightly felted and lie flat on the ground. The flower spikes are soft pink. 50cm

Golden-yellow foliage in the spring, mauve and white flower spikes from June to September. The foliage is very useful for bringing shadier part of the garden alive. 1.2m

The flowers are white with a soft, pale-green hood that make the plant much more subdued and calming than other Acanthus. The plant looks particularly striking grown in front of a yew hedge or, as we have it her in the nursery, amongst Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus'.

Very finely-cut foliage with silver veins and spines. Except in very hot summers it flowers little and takes a couple of years to settle down. 75cm.

Finely-cut foliage, flower spikes of purple and white flowers. Can be grown in shade but needs sunshine to flower well. Good in very dry situations. 1.2m