About

A compact tufted perennial to 45cm in height, with sticky stems bearing narrow, dark green leaves, and purple-red flowers 2cm in width in narrow panicles in early and mid summer.

About the genus

A genus of low-growing flowering plants with thin, ovate green foliage and clusters of pretty pink, white or purple flowers on sticky, upright stems. A deep taproot makes this a genus which can survive drought conditions

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Matforming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toBalkan Peninsula

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist fertile soil in sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering then cut down in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division or basal cuttings in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free