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: well-cultivated, fertile, moist soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: August to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A compact variety with violet-purple flowers that have yellow centres from August to October and lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. This is a pretty Michaelmas daisy that will brighten up a mixed or herbaceous border after other perennials have done their bit. It will also flourish in both sun or dappled shade.
  
  
• Garden care: Stake with bamboo canes or brushwood in early spring. Water regularly during dry spells and deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut the flowered stems to the ground and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.