What is it? Never far from the experts' "top 10 shade plants", this herbaceous perennial looks like a diva but doesn't act like one, showing an admirable tolerance for dry conditions and the tough life of a container plant. At a height and spread of around 50cm, you'll love it for its silver-etched, heart-shaped leaves and forget-me-not-like flowers in spring.
Plant it with? Looks stunning in a pot with dark purple-leaved heucheras such as 'Licorice' or 'Chocolate Ruffles'. In the ground, match it with dicentras, pulmonarias and shade-tolerant hardy geraniums such as 'Patricia'.
And where? Anywhere shady, in humus-rich soil.
Any drawbacks? Some of the leaves may revert to plain green. In drier soils, it will need regular watering until established.
What else does it do? Hardy down to 15C – it will lose its leaves in winter, but makes a fresh start each spring.
Buy it Order one plant for £10.99 or two for £16.98 (prices include free p&p). To order, call 0330 333 6856 (ref GUA621). Supplied as 9cm potted plants from March.