About

This deciduous perennial, forming a spreading clump of narrow, oblong to lance-shaped leaves. Upright, branching stems to 80cm tall in summer and early autumn produce globular, pale blue to pale purple, pincushion-like flowerheads.

About the genus

A genus of around 5 species of flowering deciduous perennials; all are native to Europe and three are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Foliage is spoon-shaped and sphere-shaped bluish pink to white flowers appear on upright branching stems in the summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toC & SE Europe to Caucasus

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a moisture-retentive, acid to neutral soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free