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

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Flowering period: April to May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Sprays of tiny lilac-purple spring flowers suspended on delicate, wiry stems above bronze-flushed, light-green leaves. This elegant, deciduous foliage plant is perfect for a lightly shaded site, and its handsome leaves, which resemble lopsided hearts, look lovely at the front of a shady border - or growing next to woodland plants.
  
  
• Garden care: In early spring remove dead and damaged leaves before the flowers appear and apply a thick mulch of compost or well rotted manure around the crown of the plant. Lift and divide large clumps in autumn.