We love this tough and durable perennial for its deep, glossy green foliage and white veins. The Victorian purple/pink/white flower spikes in late spring are an added bonus. It will grow in full sun or part shade in any reasonable soil. Most of what's in this country under this name is a hybrid of Acanthus spinosus and A. mollis but we really don't care. It's a great plant. Deer proof, a great cut flower, and lives forever.