Jasione montana aka Sheepbit

Jasione montana is a small wildflower in the Campanulaceae family. Its common names include sheep's bit and clefryn. Its native range spans Europe and northwestern Africa. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Within the British Isles, it grows mainly in the west. Kew describes its life cycle as annual or biennial. It grows in temperate climates, including the British Isles.

The plant forms clumps and reaches about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Its small leaves have lobed edges and a rather untidy look. The foliage is deciduous, rather than lasting through winter. Upright stems hold blue flower heads above the leaves. These heads look like small pincushions. Flowers appear from late spring into summer. They supply nectar for small tortoiseshell butterflies and other butterflies. This makes the plant useful in gardens planned for wildlife.

In the wild, sheep's bit grows on banks, walls and cliffs. It occupies dry sites with sandy or rocky, acid soil. In gardens, give it full sun and soil that drains well. The RHS lists both sand and loam as suitable soils. Acid or neutral soil suits it. Its moisture range runs from dry to moist, provided drainage stays good. East-, south- and west-facing sites can all suit the plant. It can grow in exposed spots or sheltered places. The RHS rates it H6 for hardiness. This covers winter lows of roughly −20 to −15°C under UK conditions.

Its small size suits containers, beds and the front of borders. The RHS also lists coastal, gravel and informal cottage gardens. Wildflower meadows offer another setting for this native plant. Its blue blooms add colour during late spring and summer. Choose a sunny site within these settings, rather than shade. Good drainage remains important whether planting in beds or containers.

Plants reach maturity within one to two years. The RHS lists seed and division as ways to propagate them. After flowering, cut plants back if you do not need seed. Leave the flowers to finish if you want seed instead. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. The supplied sources give no guidance on edible parts or toxicity. They therefore do not establish food use or safety for people or pets.