Origin
The Acanthus mollis, often known as the 'Soft Acanthus', is a plant species originally hailing from the Western Mediterranean region. Its natural habitat consists largely of shaded and forested areas. The Acanthus mollis has been spread by humans to other parts of the world and is now a popular decorative plant in many gardens.

Characteristics
The Acanthus mollis is a perennial, robust plant that can grow significantly in size. It is characterised by its deep-green, glossy leaves, which are strongly lobed. The flowers are cream white in colour with a purple tinge, and they appear on long, straight spires from late spring to summer. The flowers can grow to around 90cm in length, consequently standing out quite prominently.

Care
The Acanthus mollis prefers a location in partial shade or full sun. It is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in most soil types, including loam, sand, silt, and clay. The Acanthus mollis requires well-drained soil and cannot tolerate waterlogging. The plant survives frost in the winter, but protection may be necessary in severe frost. It is advised to prune the faded flower stems after blooming to stimulate new flowering.