Although perennials, they are often treated as annuals. They have an upright branching growth habit and palm-like,leaves.
The flowers appear loosely on branching flower spikes in summer and are either white or blue. The belladonna group is very frost hardy and has a more delicate appearance than the bolder, more dramatic groups.
They make excellent cut flowers, a fabulous splash of colour, but do need to be close to a light source to enhance their amazing colour.