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

• Position: full sun
• Soil: most soils, except very dry or boggy
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Recently introduced by the Dutch breeder Arie Blom, this is one of the best in the new breed of double coneflowers. Compact and reliable, it produces loads of scented flowers that will last well into autumn. Butterflies and bees will flock to it, and after the flowers have faded, smaller birds will come for the seeds. Try it at the front of a sunny border, or pot it up for the patio.
  
  
• Garden care: Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn or spring. In autumn cut back all dead flower stems to the ground. Coneflowers benefit from a spring or autumn mulch with well-rotted compost.