Acanthus spinosus is a clumping perennial from Europe and the Mediterranean in the Acanthaceae family, closely related to Acanthus mollis but with more deeply cut leaves that end in genuine spines — a distinction that matters when working near the plant. Growing 3 to 4 feet tall in zones 7 to 10, it sends up tall spikes of white and soft mauve-pink flowers in late spring that dry well and persist on the plant through summer, providing structural interest long after the blooms have faded.

It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established, handling more exposure and drier conditions than Acanthus mollis without complaint. Rabbits avoid it, presumably for sensible reasons. The spiny foliage makes it a useful deterrent plant along boundaries or in positions where casual access through the planting needs to be discouraged. Give it space to form a proper clump — the architectural effect requires scale to work.