Whiter-than-white, petals fan down to form an umbrella like flower head with a mauve centre - and they're lightly fragrant too. The plant is covered with bloom in mid summer and viewed from a distance they resemble snow.

Sow in spring outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow 3mm (1/8in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Germination usually takes approximately 21 days.

Seed can also be sown outdoors in early autumn for over-wintering and earlier flowering.

When large enough to handle thin out to 15cm (6in) apart. They prefer a sunny open site and well drained soil, but will grow in most sites and soils.