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A popular plant among garden designers this lovely grannys bonnet has beautiful fully double spur-less burgundy flowers in late spring above ferny green leaves. The rich deep red flowers look particularly lovely with fountainous grasses or with traditional cottage garden flowers. This plant is happiest in soil that retains moisture over the summer. It is quite short-lived but self-seeds freely though it rarely becomes a nuisance.

• Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant. Divided specimens may take some time to establish since they don't like having their roots disturbed. Contact with the sap may cause skin irritation.