Thalictrum delavayi (9cm pot)

Mauve-blue flowers purple stems. 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.