Photo of Acanthus sennii flower by Cistus Nursery

Photo by Cistus Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Acanthus sennii

Also Known As

  • Ethiopian Acanthus

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 3'-7'
  • W: 2'-5'

planting zones

  • 8a-11

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

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
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
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.

Gardening facts about Acanthus sennii plant

How to Grow Acanthus sennii

  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun

Features

  • Flower Color

    • red
    • orange
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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