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

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: April to July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  For several months from late spring, lilac-flushed, pale blue flowers, each with a small yellow eye, appear above the clumps of foliage. Their dainty appearance belies the fact that they are generally quite robust and can be grown in a variety of habitats.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould or garden compost when planting. Protect young plants from slug damage using environmentally friendly slug pellets or beer traps. Deadhead the spent blooms to prolong flowering.