Acanthus hungaricus

The Acanthus hungaricus, also known as Hungarian Acanthus or Balkan Acanthus, is a large perennial with a generous habit and a very architectural appearance. It forms a dense tuft of elongated and deeply cut leaves of a beautiful dark and glossy green, from which large spikes of white flowers emerge in summer, sometimes purplish pink, topped with dull pink bracts. With its elegance, this floriferous and generous plant is ideal for adding volume to a sunny bed, even in dry soil during the summer. 

The Acanthus hungaricus, despite its name, is no longer found spontaneously in Hungary nowadays but can be found in certain Balkan countries. It is a close relative of Acanthus mollis, found in forests in southern France, from the acanthus family. It is distinguished by its extraordinary floribundity and its preference for sunny locations. 

It is a perennial and deciduous herbaceous plant with a dense, upright habit that can reach 80 cm (32in) in height and 70 cm (28in) in spread. It produces long, dark green, glossy leaves, deeply cut into non-spiny lobes. In June-July, while the foliage tends to fade, large spikes of flowers appear, carried 1 m (3ft) 30 or 1 m (98 or 3ft) 50 above the ground. These spikes gather large flowers 5 cm (2in) long, bilabiate and crumpled, often white, sometimes tinged with pale pinkish purple. Each flower is topped with dull pink spiny bracts, giving a two-tone aspect to the flower head; these bracts add charm to this impressive flowering. Acanthus attracts large pollinating insects, such as bumblebees or carpenter bees. The fruits are shiny capsules containing large seeds. The foliage completely disappears after flowering, reappears in autumn and remains evergreen throughout the winter. This plant spreads from a stump with large fleshy roots, capable of storing water and food reserves during drought periods.

Hungarian Acanthus is the hardiest species in the genus; it is easy to grow and can be the most prolific acanthus. This truly magnificent plant is sure not to leave anyone indifferent. In a dry garden, it is a robust and reliable perennial that pairs well with the blue blooms of Caryopteris, Ceratostigma griffithii, Perowskia 'Blue Spire', or Lobelia laxiflora and Epilobium canum in warm tones. It is ideal for adding verticality and volume to perennial flower beds. It is also a beautiful focal plant placed in a natural scene or a large container on the terrace. Like its relatives, Hungarian Acanthus tolerates the root competition of old trees, such as oaks or pines. It can naturalise in old gardens, covering large areas, if happy.