Old favourite: Acanthus mollis, bear’s breeches, from the Mediterranean. This winter herbaceous perennial emerges spectacularly from the soil in spring to produce towers of flowers. Never without bumblebees in cold temperate England. I discovered to my delight in warm temperate Sydney that if you cut them down to the ground after flowering finishes they flower again and produce a fresh set of leaves. You can even grow them in subtropical Brisbane. Easily raised from seed or division of clumps. Y

This is Acanthus hungaricus ‘White Lips’, a bold perennial that brings drama and elegance to any garden. Known for its tall spires of creamy white flowers with striking purple bracts, this plant adds instant architecture and texture. Its lush, deeply cut foliage stays attractive all season, while the blooms rise above in midsummer, loved by pollinators and gardeners alike. Perfect for borders or as a statement plant, ‘White Lips’ combines strength with beauty, hardy, low-maintenance, and guarant