Acanthus spinosus or the Spiny Bear's Breech was introduced into the UK by the Romans as both having both ornamental and herbal value.
Today they are prized by landscapers to add to mixed borders, providing contrast of shape and texture along with some gentle colour through summer.
They suit mediterranean style and cottage style gardens very well.
With foliage that resembles a thistle, it forms a clump of deeply cut, dark green leaves that bear upright spikes of hooded, pinky/mauve and white flowers.
They make excellent cut flowers and also work well when dried.