- Botanical name: Acanthus sennii
- Common name: Acanthus
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous
Red
Green
Silver
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
- Flowers
Acanthus sennii is an unusual acanthus, native to the highlands of Ethiopia. Tall growing, it has incredibly spiny, holly-like silvery green leaves with prominent white veining, from which a central spike of red flowers appears from late-summer to autumn. It makes a fantastic plant for a tropical planting scheme, where both its leaves and flowers make for a dramatic display.
Surprisingly hardy, Acanthus sennii will die back in autumn but regrow in spring, and is best treated as a herbaceous perennial. Alternatively, grow it in a large container in a conservatory or greenhouse, where it may provide an evergreen display.
Grow Acanthus sennii in free-draining soil or compost, preferably with the addition of sharp sand to further aid drainage, in full sun to partial shade. Protect from winds and stake if plants are likely to flop. Keep dry in winter to prevent the rootball rotting.
How to grow Acanthus sennii
-
Plant size
1.6m height
1.4m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Acanthus sennii and wildlife
Acanthus sennii has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Acanthus sennii poisonous?
Acanthus sennii has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
