Acanthus hungaricus (3 × 9cm pots)

Dramatic and architectural. Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: deep, fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast Flowering period: May to July Hardiness: fully hardy Prolific and easy to grow, this acanthus produces upright flower spikes which bear white or pale pink flowers, each with a green or purplish hood, above mounds of deeply divided foliage. The rigid habit of the flower spikes makes them ideal for creating vertical interest in the herbaceous border, and they also look good in more naturalistic planting schemes. Originating from open woodlands and scrub, this form is more tolerant of shade than most. Garden care: Plant Acanthus with a handful of well-rotted garden compost mixed with the excavated soil and firm the conditioned soil around the plant and water in well. It thrives best in dappled shade and although it will take full sun, the leaves may scorch. Slugs and snails love this plant, so pick them off regularly. Plant it as a specimen plant in a mixed border, and give it plenty of room to spread itself out.