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: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Upright leafy stems are topped with showy clusters of violet-blue, trumpet-shaped flowers from midsummer to early autumn. A cottage favourite that is ideal for adding height to the border, it looks wonderful when planted next to old-fashioned roses.
  
  
• Garden care: Protect the tender foliage from slugs and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Apply a generous 5-7cm layer of mulch or well-rotted compost around the base of the plant in spring. Stake with bamboo canes or brushwood in spring before the flowers appear.