Perennial of the Lamiaceae family, this species is native to Siberia and Central Asia, where it colonizes rocky slopes, high-altitude meadows, and steppe edges, in well-drained and largely sunny environments.
It forms compact clumps 20 to 40 cm in height. The leaves are oval to heart-shaped, crenate, medium green, and the entire plant has a slight pubescence. What immediately strikes is the density and amplitude of the inflorescences: the bilabiate flowers, of a bright blue-violet, are among the largest of the genus, grouped in tight whorls that form particularly full and generous floral heads. The bracts tinged with reddish to greenish contribute to the chromatic richness of the whole.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August. In cultivation, it generally blooms in June-July.
It requires a sunny exposure and well-drained soil, preferably poor to moderately fertile. Hardy and undemanding, it is perfectly suited to rock gardens and is very attractive to pollinators.