Acanthus hungaricus aka Green Girmit

Acanthus hungaricus is a perennial from southeast Europe, including the Balkans. It belongs to the acanthus family, Acanthaceae. Gardeners call it bear's breeches or long-leaved bear's breeches. This upright plant forms large clumps of bold, deeply cut leaves. Its leaves and tall flower spikes suit beds and borders. It loses its leaves at the end of the growing season.

Plants reach about 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres] tall in gardens. Mature clumps spread about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] wide. Glossy green leaves form a mound below the flower stems. Each leaf has deep lobes and sharp points. Leaves often measure 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] long. The RHS records leaves reaching 3.3 feet [1 metre]. The leaf mound can stay attractive through the growing season. Plants may take two to five years to reach full size.

Stout flower spikes rise well above the leaves in summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists June and July as the bloom months. Chicago's account gives a broader season from May through August. The flowers range from white to pale pink, with purple tones. They sit in rows along the upright spikes. Spiny bracts surround the flowers and add green or purple shades. Chicago describes tubular flowers with purple upper lips and white lower lips. The spikes add height above the broad leaf mound.

Grow this plant in sun or part shade. Afternoon shade helps in places with hot summers. It needs moist soil that drains well. It tolerates many soils, but not those that drain poorly. The RHS lists clay and loam across acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Average watering meets its needs. Sources list USDA zones 5–10 and UK hardiness H6. Winter survival is less reliable in parts of zone 5. Winter mulch can help there. Severe cold may also prevent flowering the next season.

Use it in borders, as a specimen, or as groundcover. Chicago reports that it draws birds and butterflies and resists deer. Care needs are low, but its spreading roots need watching. Loose soil can help it spread fast. Small root pieces left behind can grow into new plants. This makes an established clump hard to remove. Raise new plants from seed, division, or root cuttings. Cut down old flower stems. Powdery mildew can affect the leaves. Slugs and snails can also cause serious damage. The supplied sources do not establish edibility or toxicity.