Acanthus mollis . . . or . . . Bear’s Breeches

I’ve grown this very common garden perennial for some years now. It lives at the bottom of the garden in a large flower bed under a huge poplar tree. The soil is dry and quite shady – a plant has to be tough to survive here! (Bindweed manages very well!). I am, therefore, quite surprised that my Acanthus mollis has not flowered for the past 3 or 4 years as it is supposed to be ‘tough’. I’ve tried watering it but that seems to just induce mildew. So, this year I’ve just given-up on it. And . . low and behold . . . It is flowering!
I love the flowers and glossy leaves and am really pleased that its back!