Showy and exotic plants for beds, borders etc. Excellent as accent plants with their tall, erect branching stems and long ropes of flower which cascade right to the ground. They also make very effective cut flowers and as "everlastings" they keep their colour for quite some time. Flowers summer. Height: 60-120cm (2-4ft).

Sow early spring at 21-24C (70-75F) in a good seed compost. Sow 2mm (1/16in) deep and keep the soil damp but not wet. Germination usually takes 10-14 days.

They can also be sown outdoors in spring where they are to flower.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into pots or boxes and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in a sunny spot in good rich soil.

The cut flowers last well in water and can also be dried. If this is done carefully the flowers keep their colour for some time.