Acanthus sennii

RHS Plant Profile

Ethiopian acanthus

RHS / Joanna Kossak

Herbaceous Perennial

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An upright perennial or sub-shrub with oblong to oval, very spiny, mid-green leaves. Red, large-lippedflowers are produced in short,terminal spikes in mid-summer to early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Acanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Columnar upright
Genus: Acanthus are robust herbaceous perennials with handsome, lobed foliage and tall, erect racemes of two-lipped flowers with colourful bracts
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Ethiopia

How to Grow

Cultivation

The ideal soil is a deep, fertile, well-drained loam but it will grow in most soils and has good drought tolerance. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by division or by root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Sub-tropical
Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down old flower stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Powdery mildews may be a problem