This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Tall, branching stems bearing clusters of deep lilac or slate-blue bell-shaped flowers appear from July to September among toothed, mid-green leaves. This tall bellflower is a cottage garden classic and is perfect towards the back of a mixed or herbaceous border. It's a happy companion for old roses, it self-seeds freely, and the flower colour is retained best in partial shade.
  
  
• Garden care: Protect the tender foliage from slugs and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and prevent seeding. Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted compost around the base of the plant in spring. Stake with bamboo canes or brushwood in spring before the flowers appear.