About
A small alpine perennial to a height of 30cm, with a basal rosette of narrow heart-shaped green leaves and deep spiky-looking, but soft, blue-purple cone-shaped flowers on long stems in summer.
About the genus
A genus of flowering herbaceous perennials, native to Europe and Morocco. Foliage is alternate and petiolate, varying in shape between cultivars. Flowers are produced in dense panicles with narrow, five-lobed corolla and are mostly purple, but sometimes pale blue, white or pink
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Sand, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toC Europe
Care notes
CultivationIdeal for rock garden or scree in well drained soil in sun or part shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn in sheltered position or cold frame
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage by slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free