About
A clump-forming perennial to 30cm tall, with upright, unbranched, purplish stems and toothed, softly hairy leaves to 6cm long. In summer it produces loose clusters of tubular, purple-blue flowers.
About the genus
A genus of around 60 to 70 species of flowering annuals, perennials and dwarf evergreen shrubs native to temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants within this species have aromatic green foliage which can vary from needle-shaped to nettle-like and 2-lipped, sage-like tubular flowers in shades of purple, blue or white
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established
PruningCut old stems back to ground level in autumn or early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed, division or basal cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free