The Acanthus hungaricus plant is commonly known as Hungarian or Long-leaved Bear's Breeches.
It is a member of the thirty strong Acanthus genus, which itself is a member of the 2,500 strong Acanthaceae (Acanthus) family.
Acanthus hungaricus photograph by Patrick Standish
The genus is native to the Balkan and Mediterranean areas, and so is ideal for growing in warm temperate regions.
Plants grow vigorously once established. and may become invasive in the garden if not controlled.
Acanthus hungaricus Artwork Print by SMK Statens Museum for Kunst (officiel); CC. (from the National Gallery of Denmark
The foliage of Acanthus hungaricus has a more compact nature than the commonly grown Acanthus mollis (Oyster plant / Bear's Breeches).
Did you know that the Acanthus hungaricus species is synonymous with Acanthus balcanicus.
It makes an ideal plant for use in a border, and its showy leaves can add interest to the garden during the winter months.
Acanthus hungaricus is clump-forming and reaches heights of 90 to 120 cm (36–48 inches), and has a spread of up to 90 cm (36 inches).
The oblong to ovate leaves are deeply lobed, leathery, shiny and dark green.
Plants bloom in the summer and carry racemes of light pink to white flowers with purple bracts atop 60 cm (24 inch) long stems; beware of spikes hidden beneath the flowers.
Acanthus hungaricus is a member of the Acanthaceae plant family. It is thus closely related to plants such as Wild Petunia and Orange clockvine.
Acanthus Bears Breeches picture by BrooklynLydl
Hungarian Bear's Breeches photograph by cultivar413; CC.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Acanthus hungaricus. You may also enjoy the following pages:
Iris Plant Growing Guide and how to grow Carolina Lupine in the garden.