Metallic blue-tinged white 2.5cm (1in) flowers with startling blue anthers lure the onlooker. A lesser known 'windflower' with the typical finely cut silky foliage, and attractive seed heads, this hardy perennial will delight gardeners most when planted in damp soil, or by the side of a pool/pond. Height: 30-60cm (12-24in).

Sow from February to July just covering the seed with compost. Use good moist peat or coir based seed compost. Seal inside a polythene bag, keep at 13-18C (55-60F) for 1 week, then place in a refrigerator, at 3-5C (35-41F). Inspect regularly while in the fridge and remove immediately 'if they start to germinate. After 6 weeks return to warmth. Germination usually takes 6 weeks to 3 months after this.

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in a cold frame or sheltered place for a season and plant out the next spring 30-38cm (12-15in) apart.

Prefers fertile, moist, ordinary garden soil, sun or part shade. The soil should not be allowed to dry out in summer and on light soils dig in plenty of well rotted compost before planting and plant in light shade. A good mulch applied each autumn is beneficial especially in very cold winter areas.