Ipswich Pinks were made famous by Joseph Sangster, the breeder and proprietor of T&M from 1913-52. They create a solid mass of colour in pinks, reds, bicolours and white, above blue foliage that is close and tightly knit. Ground smothering weed suppressors, they remain evergreen (blue). Floriferous and fragrant, they are welcome cut flowers and a necessity for the cottage garden, border or rock garden, being also suitable for edging or walls. A hardy perennial, they grow to a height of 23cm (9in) and can spread 60-70cm (24-30in). Flowering extends from late spring till the end of summer.

Sow in good free draining seed sowing compost from February to late June just covering the seed with compost. Germination takes 7-14 days at 18-20C (65-70F), after which the temperature should be dropped to 13-18C (55-60F).

When large enough to handle transplant the seedlings to boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots, grow well ventilated and well lit. When well rooted in their pots, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out 30cm (12in) apart in full sun and well-drained soil.

Ideal for beds, borders rockeries, walls, containers etc. They prefer limey or neutral soils and with an acid soil a dusting of lime should be added to the soil at planting time. After flowering has finished, remove the old flower stems, water the soil well and apply a high potash fertiliser.