Name that plant - please

[Gardengirl]

Went to Audley End house and gardens yesterday and saw this plant.  There were a group of us around it trying to fathom out what it is.  No doubt one of you experts (probably Eric :D) will name it.

[Gardengirl]

[sandersj89]

It is an acanthus:

http://www.hilliergardens.org.uk/images/acanthus.jpg

Jerry

[Gardengirl]

Thanks sanders - for once Eric was 'pipped at the post' :D

[Mrs Ava]

I love these, but they grow like a weed in my mums garden - bigger than any gunnera!  Dad bought home some seeds years ago and they grew easily and since then, she hasn't been able to get rid of it.  It also grows from root cuttings, so as you can imagine, pull a piece out but leave the root behind, 2 plants....and so on!  I have this and another variety in the garden.  If anyone fancies some seeds later in the year, let me know as mum has about 15 flower spikes at the moment.  ;D

[Palustris]

Acanthus spinosus, or Bear's Britches.