A stately perennial for the back of the border with slender spires of white flowers with mauve eye. The leaves covered with white woolly hairs add to the overall charm and make this a fine subject for blending with plants of harsher colours. Useful for flower arranging. Flowers summer. Height 120-150cm (4-5ft).

Sow in spring in a good seed compost, 1.5mm (1/16in) deep and gently firm down. Germination usually takes 14-30 days at 13-16C (55-60F).

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant 15cm (6in) apart into a sheltered part of the garden.

Plant out into flowering site in autumn 45cm (18in) apart in a sunny spot in ordinary welt drained soil.