A charming native perennial with nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of dusky pink to reddish-brown, held above toothed foliage on slender stems. It thrives in moist, naturalistic settings and is particularly well suited to damp meadows, woodland edges, stream margins and wildlife gardens.
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Exposure: Tolerant of wind and suitable for exposed sites if the soil remains moist. Moderately coastal tolerant, but performs best with some shelter from strong salt-laden winds.
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Size: Approximately 30–60 cm high and 30–45 cm wide.
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Soil: Moist to wet, fertile soil; prefers moisture-retentive conditions and can tolerate periodically waterlogged ground.
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Sun: Full sun to partial shade. Flowering is generally best with good light, while it can tolerate some shade.
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Flowering time: May–July, with flowers often continuing into early summer.
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Uses: Traditionally used as a medicinal plant and as a source of natural dye.
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Wildlife benefits: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects. The plant is also a food source for the larvae of some moth species.
