In The Garden: What is this thing?

It's growing in my brother's 'memory garden' where people came and planted things wherever they wanted and it's pretty big! Four years later, it's grown to at least two feet wide and just as tall. It's kind of pretty, doesn't poke you (except where the flowers are) and no one knows what it is even a landscaper has never seen it before! HELP!

 

Sure. That's Acanthus mollis, Bear's Britches. It's one of my favourite accent plants!

 

Thank you so much! The information says Zones 7-10, but I'm in Zone 5 and it grows great here! Must be all my brother's ashes!

 

I think it might be instead Acanthus spinosus which is a bit hardier than A. mollis.

 

I think you're right. The flowers are so much more compact on this type - e.g., they aren't as tall and spiky as the other variety. Thanks again for your assistance!

 

The giveaway was the leaves. Both species grow to the same height when in flower.