Flowers: Summer

Height: 18 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 8 9 10

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Bushy, compact, dark green plants, with hairy, prickly foliage, enhanced by clusters of deep lilac to purple-red flowers. Flowering over a long period during the summer. Ideal for the front of a perennial border.

Sowing Instructions: Sowing Time: January to June. Sow in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of between 18-20C (64-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 21-60 days.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart. For best results, provide a rich, light, well-drained soil in full sun.