− | It grows to 2 m tall, with basal clusters of deeply lobed and cut, shining dark green [[leaf|leaves]] up to 1 m long and 20 cm broad. The [[flower]]s are tubular, whitish, lilac or rose with spiny green or purplish [[bract]]s, and produced on stout spikes which grow up to 2.5 m (8 ft) above the leaves. It flowers in late spring or early summer. It grows in dry areas, and is tolerant of drought and shade. The plants are propagated from [[tubers]] and tend to form large, localized clumps which can survive for several decades. The leaves of this plant are generally considered by historians to have been the design inspiration for the [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] column capitals of Greco-Roman architecture.<ref> | + | It grows to 2 m tall, with basal clusters of deeply lobed and cut, shining dark green [[leaf|leaves]] up to 1 m long and 20 cm broad. The [[flower]]s are tubular, whitish, lilac or rose with spiny green or purplish [[bract]]s, and produced on stout spikes which grow up to 2.5 m (8 ft) above the leaves. It flowers in late spring or early summer. It grows in dry areas, and is tolerant of drought and shade. The plants are propagated from [[tubers]] and tend to form large, localized clumps which can survive for several decades. The leaves of this plant are generally considered by historians to have been the design inspiration for the [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] column capitals of Greco-Roman architecture.<ref> |