This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: June to July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial with thin, sword-shaped leaves which are an indicator that the plant is drought tolerant once established. summer, 'E K Balls' produces erect stems bearing a succession of star-shaped, mauve-purple flowers to 2cm (1”) across. Perfect for alpine houses, wall crevices, pots, troughs and rock gardens.
  
  
• Garden care: Lift and divide large colonies in spring. After flowering dead-head the faded blooms to prevent the plant from self-seeding.