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

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: March to May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A decorative, early-flowering groundcover that is happiest in those difficult to fill, partially shaded positions beneath the canopy of trees and shrubs. It has silver-spotted foliage, which forms a neat mound that is topped with clusters of bell-shaped flowers in spring. When these flowers emerge from bud they are a rich shade of raspberry, but as they age they turn purplish and then almost blue - and the multicoloured effect is really pretty.
  
  
• Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps every three to five years after flowering or in autumn. Cut back plants affected by mildew to the ground, water and feed - the plant will regenerate and produce new leaves later in the year.