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

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Sought after by the designers, these elegant shade-loving perennials have attractive foliage, which emerges in spring with a bronze flush before turning rich green. Then, in late spring or early summer, pendent tubular flowers appear, which vary in colour from creamy white to purplish-red, and these are followed by deepest crimson berries. A wonderful addition to the woodland garden, it's ideal for underplanting, and will look great when planted with ferns or hostas.
  
  
• Garden care: Divide over-large clumps in spring before the new growth starts to emerge, and protect the new foliage from slugs and snails.