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: moist but well-drained
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The decorative, bronze-purple foliage of this impressive new form emerges in a flurry in spring, and is soon followed by open clusters of bell-shaped, purple-blue flowers. Wonderful in both naturalised settings or more formal, herbaceous borders, Jacob's ladder is a much-loved, cottage garden classic.
  
  
• Garden care: Cut the plant back after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers. In autumn cut the faded flowerheads down to the ground and compost the dead stems.