Plant Lust
ShopOrderSellblog
0

  • Plant types

  • Plant styles

  • Planting conditions

  • Seasonal interest

  • Nurseries & Gardens

    • Photo of Acanthus sennii flower by Cistus Nursery

    Photo by Cistus Nursery

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

    Show all photos

    Buy Acanthus sennii

    Also Known As

    • Ethiopian Acanthus

    Plant type

    shrub, perennial

    size

    • H: 3'-7'
    • W: 2'-5'

    planting zones

    • 8a-11

    4" pot | $19

    Ships USPS, based on weight/location

    Fewer than 13 at Secret Garden Growers

    More Options

    Acanthus sennii plant details

    Acanthus sennii is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In fall and summer orange and red flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Acanthus sennii

    Plant type: perennial shrub
    Plant family: acanthaceae
    Foliage: semi-evergreen green
    Mature size: 2 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 7 FT - tall
    Flowers: orange and red blooms in fall and summer
    Uses: big leaves, spiky, wavy leaves

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Acanthus sennii

    USDA Zones: 8a - 11
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
    Watering frequency: even moisture - low
    Resistant to: deer and rabbit
    Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

    We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    A well armed and rare shrubby Acanthus from high elevation Ethiopia…3-5’ shrub with highly textural, attractive leaves with prominent silver veins. Orange red flowers in fall attract a lot of attention! A great selection for beneath your teenage daughter’s window. Tips die back in temps below 26 °F but resprouts for us from the teens (mulch is good insurance). Sun to part shade, decent drainage and summer water. Don’t prune this plant in your bikini! USDA Zone 8  4" pot

    By: Secret Garden Growers

    With dark green spiny leaves and exotic vermilion red fall flowers on 4 foot stems, you'll find a place for this Ethiopian highland native if you enjoy the unusual;perplexing to non plant addicts. As someone suggested, plant it beneath your teenage daughter's window. Minimum temperature: 0°F

    By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

    A most unusual species from the highlands of Ethiopia, a shrub to 3' or more with silvery green leaves to about 3" wide, ruffle edged and spined, and spikes of nearly red flowers in summer and autumn. Full to part sun; medium or better drainage; and summer water in dry places. The tops are frost hardy into the low 20s °F, dying back but re-sprouting with vigor to at least the low teens, lower USDA zone 8, and even lower with mulch.

    By: Cistus Nursery

    Gardening facts about Acanthus sennii plant

    How to Grow Acanthus sennii

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly sun

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - drought tolerant

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • red
      • orange

    • Wildlife

      • hummingbirds
      • deer resistant
      • rabbit resistant

    • Flower Season

      • summer
      • fall

    • Foliage Season

      • semi-evergreen

    • Texture

      • glossy

    See other plant types of Acanthus for your garden

    Acanthus spinosus

    aka Bear's Breeches, Spiny Bear's Breeches

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    6a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-4'

    Width: 2'-3'

    • sun - dappled shade
    • even moisture - drought tolerant
    • dry when dormant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Acanthus spinosus foliage by Avant Gardens
    View Plant

    Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan'

    aka Acanthus hybrid 'Rue Leden', Acanthus mollis 'Jeff Albus', White Bear's Breeches, White Flower Bear's Breech

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    6a-10b

    Size

    Height: 2'-6'

    Width: 2'-6'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - occasional
    Photo of Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
    View Plant

    Acanthus mollis

    aka Bear's Breeches

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-4'

    Width: 3'-5'

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Acanthus mollis foliage by plant lust
    View Plant

    More Options

    Acanthus 'Summer Beauty'

    aka Summer Beauty Bear's Breeches

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    6a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-6'

    Width: 3'-6'

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - occasional
    Photo of Acanthus 'Summer Beauty' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
    View Plant

    More Options

    Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel'

    aka Acanthus mollis Tasmanian Angel™, Tasmanian Angel Bear's Breech

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    6b-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-5'

    Width: 3'-4'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - occasional
    Photo of Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel' foliage by Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
    View Plant

    More Options

    +13 more Acanthus
    Mailing List
    Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

    © 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved