Wow! What a stunning perennial! Easy to grow and sure to catch some admiring glances. Attractive bright red, starburst blooms borne on slender stems. Goes on flowering over a very long period.

Sow seed on the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed or multipurpose compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite. Place container in a propagator or seal inside a plastic bag and place at a temperature of 15-20C (59-68F) until after germination which can take 14-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatize plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 30cm (12in) apart.