A half hardy perennial best treated as a half hardy annual, this is a showy bedding plant producing a 20-25cm (8-10in) mound of finely divided silvery white foliage. Use it as an edging to the border, as feature plants or in pots.

Sow in late winter/early spring at 15-24C (65-75F) on the surface of a good seed compost. Keep soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light, sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful. Germination usually takes 10-21 days.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 15-20cm (6-8in) apart in a sunny spot on light well drained soil.