Flowers: Summer

Height: 6 feet

Position: Partial Shade

Hardiness Rating: 5 6 7 8

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: A magical back of border plant with many large, silky blooms in shades from rich purple, through mauve, to the highly unusual and elusive blues. Flowers summer. Hgt. 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft).

Sowing Instructions: Sow from late winter to early spring 1.5mm (1/16 in) deep in John Innes Seed Compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination, which normally takes 15-21 days at 21C (70F).

Growing Instructions: Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3 in) pots. Grow cool and later plant out 60cm (24in) apart into an ordinary but not rich soil in sun and some shelter.

Caution: Harmful if eaten