Pentanisia prunelloides  is an erect perennial herb of about 600 mm, with stout hairy stems, sprouting from a woody rootstock early in spring. The leaves, which have no petioles (leaf stalks), are very variable, but are usually ovate with wavy margins. The tubular blue or lilac flowers are in dense heads at the ends of the stems. It is very showy when in full bloom.

Interplant it with small grasses and other perennial such as Gnidia caffra and Indigofera ssp for the best effect. Due to its large underground rootstock it is very resilient.The plants are long-lived and are dormant in the winter months.