Acanthus sennii, commonly known as Ethiopian Acanthus, is a deciduous shrub native to the highland scrublands and rocky slopes of Ethiopia. It can reach a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a width of 5 feet (1.5 meters). The plant features spiny, dark green leaves and erect flower spikes with showy red to orange flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, attracting pollinators and adding a splash of color to the garden.

Ethiopian Acanthus is valued for its striking flowers and architectural foliage, making it a distinctive choice for mixed borders, Mediterranean gardens, and as an accent plant in urban landscapes. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to remove spent flower spikes and to maintain its shape. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. Gardeners should be cautious as the plant can have sharp spines. It is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0