About
A low-growing herbaceous perennial with a rosette of broad, oval, dark green leaves, with pale green veins and stems. Produces leafless spikes of small, tightly clustered brownish purple flowers on upright stems up to 20cm high.
About the genus
A genus of 200 species of flowering plants, mainly herbaceous but with a small number of subshrubs, and often classed as a weed. Broad or narrow foliage with long stalks of inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationMost vigorous in open, sunny sites, but will tolerate a range of positions and soil types, including heavy and compacted soils. Spreads rapidly, generally considered a weed.
PruningRemove before seeding to prevent spreading
PropagationSelf- and wind pollinated, propagates by seed produced prolifically through the growing season.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and red spider mites
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews