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

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained, preferably sandy soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: April to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The foliage of this attractive falso indigo emerges with a bronze flush, but soon turns a rich green. Then, in mid- to late spring, upright spikes to 25cm long form, and these carry yellow buds, which open to creamy white pea-like flowers. Resist cutting these back after they have faded, as in autumn the resulting seed pods look really pretty - and they will remain interesting well into autumn.
  
  
• Garden care: Lift and divide large colonies in early spring if necessary, though they are best left undisturbed if you can since they develop deep tap roots which enable them to be more drought tolerant. As these frost-hardy plants mature, they are likely to become more hardy, especially once the tap root has developed. Protect with fleece and a thick layer of insulating (well-rotted) organic matter mulch.