This bristly herbaceous perennial may reach 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm (24 in) wide.

[2] It has straight lance-shaped leaves and petite tubular flowers about 15 millimeters across with five bright violet-blue petals.

[4] This species is native to Europe, western Asia, and eastern Maghreb.

[6] Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, including 'Dropmore', 'Feltham Pride', 'Little John', 'Loddon Royalist' and 'Opal'.

It grows best in full sun with good drainage, and is drought tolerant once established.