What is this plant?

[BlueKarou]

Every year I watch this plant produce these magnificent flowers, and wonder what it is. Anyone any ideas?

The burgundy bits are fairly sturdy and the white bits are more petal-like. It's pretty big, taller than hip height. Planted in a large bed, not shaded position.

Acanthus I think but I've only ever seen white ones near me. Theyre Mediterranean plants and like it fairly warm. Yours is lovely.

Bears britches or acanthus dh says

Yes, looks like an acanthus. I have several as they keep springing up in odd places - when the seed pods pop, they shoot out a long way.
I live in a hot climate, mine are in flower at the moment but will soon die down. The leaves wilt quickly in the heat.

Definitely acanthus. We had a rogue one self seed a couple of years ago and it's quietly spreading itself

I popped on this thread as I thought I could recognise the plant, but no. However you do seem to have a bad case of rugby posts in your garden. I am not sure of the solution.

Thanks very much all! Great plant identification skills.

Not my garden, unfortunately, but in the grounds at work. And not badly placed rugby goal but two flagpoles. We do have a very run down tennis court though (totally outing myself to any colleagues.)

I'm half tempted to try and harvest some seeds from it when the flowers are done.

Acanthus spinosa. It's very prickly (there is a softer version, Acanthus mollis). Think carefully about where you put it as it's very vigorous and is a bastard to move as it'll keep on reappearing even though you think you've dug the whole thing out!

Don't bother with seed, just sneak up on it in the autumn and dig out a slice (root and growing point). Chop off all the leaves, pop it in a good hole with organic matter and a very light bit of feed, give it a water and stand well back.