This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: April to May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The foliage of this beautiful ground-covering perennial is almost entirely infused with silver, leaving only some of the veins and outermost edges of the leaves a rich green. This then makes it ideal for illuminating the woodland floor or partially shaded border edge - and just after the fresh batch of foliage appears each spring, it is almost immediately followed by sprays of rich, sky blue flowers. Try mixing it with ferns, spring flowering bulbs, and hostas for a naturalised effect.
  
  
• Garden care: Remove the faded flower-heads after flowering. Lift and divide the plant every two or three years in late autumn.