This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained, sandy
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  One of the new breed, which produces its brightly coloured star-shaped flowers over an incredibly long period - usually from mid-spring to the first frosts. It’s a low-growing plant that looks great in pots, alpine beds or rockeries, or just adding bundles of colour at the front of a sun-drenched border.
  
  
• Garden care: Once established, avoid overwatering - particularly in winter when boggy, wet conditions can cause the roots to rot. Remove any winter-damaged stems in mid-spring.