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

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moist, well-drained
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Stunning ornamental thistle for a sunny garden but not with blue flowers as the name implies, but a deep rich purple. These gorgeous flowerheads either grow singly, or in clusters of 2 or 3 on tall straight stems above long dark green, prickly edged leaves. Loved by butterflies and bees alike, these flowerheads fade to a form a lovely seed head in the autumn garden.
  
  
• Garden care: Divide congested plants from autumn to spring and cut back to the ground in autumn to prevent self-seeding.