An attractive first year flowering perennial, producing bushy plants with clusters of wiry stems clothed in unusual rich burgundy flowers with contrasting paler outer petals and white stamens. Ideal for attracting butterflies to your borders or containers.

Height: 50-60cm (20-24in).

Sowing time: February-April or June to September.

Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Lightly cover the seed with a sprinkle of fine grade vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of between 18-21C (65-70F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 7-40 days.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays.

Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 30-45cm (12-18in) apart. For best results, provide a light, well-drained soil in full sun. Over winter September sown plants in a cold frame and plant out the following spring.