Meadow rue

'Hewitt's Double' has light airy sprays of flowers that look, from a distance, like a mauve mist hovering among other plants. They are invaluable for providing a contrast with heavier flowers and especially with spikes and trumpet shapes. Since the plants grow well in light shade, use them between lilies, roses and Campanula pyramidalis to complete a traditional old-fashioned effect. No support is necessary when the plants are grown among others, but don't allow plants to be swamped by over-vigorous neighbours, or they will not thrive. To make sure the plants remain vigorous divide them every two to three years as soon as growth begins in spring. This is also a good way of propagating plants. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Looks good with:

Liatris spicata
Astrantia major 'Hadspen Blood'