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

• Position: full sun or lightly dappled shade
• Soil: moist, humus rich soil
• Rate of growth: slow to average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Fluffy sprays of lilac flowers on upright, dark-purple stems above clumps of fern-like, grey-green leaves. This light and airy perennial is perfect towards the back of a herbaceous or mixed border. Best grown in moist, humus-rich soil, both the dainty foliage and flowers contrast well with the coarser-leaved plants usually grown at the back of the border.
  
  
• Garden care: Stake using ring stakes or brush-wood before the flowers appear. Cut back the stems to the ground after flowering. Add a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the base of the plant in spring. Lift and divide congested plants in spring.