Acanthus caroli-alexandri
Acanthus caroli-alexandri is, for all intents and purposes, a dwarf form of Acanthus mollis. Its origins are unclear but it is a superb plant for smaller gardens or where the spreading nature of A.mollis is undesirable. It reaches around 50cm wide at maturity and the foliage is approx 40cm high. The inflorescence, produced during spring, stands approximately 1m high and the comparison photo of A. mollis and A. caroli-alexandri inflorescence shows the size difference. All in all an excellent plant for shady locations, beneath deciduous trees or anywhere some architectural foliage is required. If irrigated during dry weather it does retain some foliage otherwise let it dry out and go dormant during summer. Foliage returns in mid autumn or when regular moisture is available again.