H12 in. x W12 in. This species from Armenia is a vigorous perennial, forming a nice mat of foliage with multitudes of stiff stems carrying pendant, violet-purple bells in early summer. A meadow-plant, it needs moist, sandy loam in sun or light shade, and is completely deciduous in winter. Hardy to Zone 5.

These justly popular rockery plants have differing needs, but are always rewarding. Most spread readily with underground runners or creeping stems; others are saxatile alpines, best grown in deep grit with a gravel collar. In general, they prefer gritty, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.