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 or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist or well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The reddish purple foliage of this showy perennial is infused with silver (particularly when young), and it forms in a loose mound, which provides excellent ground cover at the front of a border. Then in midsummer, airy sprays of small, rich pink flowers appear, held aloft on slender, pink-stained stems. A relatively compact grower, it also looks great when potted up on the patio.
  
  
• Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early autumn and replant with the crown just above the surface of the soil. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the crown of the plant in spring.