This is a marvellous tree, grows fast and bears fragrant blue, foxglove like flowers in spring. Our original plant was given to us from a past Head Gardener at Agatha Christie's house, Greenway. You can either grow it for the flowers or stool it which will give enormous leaves almost 2’ across but few or no flowers. As to hardiness, we’re told that it’s grown as an ornamental in the streets of Moscow but whether it flowers there is another matter! If you know, please tell us. 2l pot spring only.