H12-15 in. x W12 in. This Mediterranean species is found from south-east Italy to Greece and the Balkans, and although a bit large for the alpine garden, it is suitable for walls and larger rockeries. Pale blue saucers with a dark central ring are packed onto upright wands from early summer on. Leaves are glossy green, rising from a thick rootstock. Spent spires should be cut to encourage summer foliage and minimize re-seeding. Hardy to Zone 6.

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.