Known fondly as bear’s breech, Acanthus spinosus, a charming perennial, is noteworthy for its tenacity as well as its pleasing floral display. Fans of snapdragons will admire the similarities of this plant with its lovely white flowers that are overlaid with reddish-lilac bracts for an interesting clash of colors. While the glossy, deeply cut foliage of Acanthus spinosus keeps itself in a tidy clump, the flowers rise up to 4 feet above it, making a phenomenal vertical statement. Flowers begin as early as late spring and continue into summer.

Acanthus spinosus prefers well-drained soil, and winter mulch is a must. This plant isn’t pestered by any particular diseases, bugs, or rabbits, but slug and snail could be a problem if not handled effectively.