Easily grown in any moist soil in sun or part shade. Prefers a damp position. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes very light or dry soils. Grows well in the shade of a north-facing wall. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. It can be grown in a wild garden, rock garden or the flower border.

Flowers - raw. They make a very attractive addition to salads.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Root cuttings.

Shrubberies and open slopes in moist situations, often along drains, 1500 - 4500 metres.