Perennial of the Lamiaceae family, this species is native to the Far East, specifically Manchuria, eastern Siberia, Korea, and northern Japan, where it grows in dry to semi-dry meadows, clear forest edges, and grassy slopes, generally in plains or low mountains.
It forms upright and compact clumps, reaching 20 to 40 cm in height, with quadrangular stems characteristic of the Lamiaceae. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate, bright green, finely toothed on the edges, opposite along the stems. The whole plant has a well-ordered habit, pleasing even when not in bloom.
The flowers, large for the genus, are tubular and bilabiate, of a soft and bright lilac-blue, slightly lavender, grouped in spaced whorls at the top of the stems. The upper lip, distinctly arched and finely hairy, is a particularly visible detail upon close observation — and visibly appreciated by bumblebees, who diligently visit the flowers. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August. In cultivation, it generally occurs from June to July.
It is cultivated in full sun or light partial shade, in well-drained soil, rather poor to moderately fertile, not waterlogged in winter. Hardy and undemanding, it is perfectly suited to rock gardens and dry borders.