A shrub form of the popular climbing plant, but may require some tip pruning when young to establish that growth pattern. It has smaller leaves than the typical climber and the vibrant purple flowers are held close to the stem in dense clumps of flower stalks held at the top of the foliage to spectacular effect.

Would be useful as a small informal hedge provided you stopped pruning from mid summer so as not to cut off the emerging flower buds. Also suited to dense flower plantings and flower meadows as it will grow happily in more crowded situations with the flowers sitting proud atop the stems in winter and spring.

Prefers well-drained soils in full sun. Prune after flowering to encourage dense growth.