An attractive first year flowering perennial, looking similar to a Penstemon or Snapdragon. This dwarf selection produces clumps of bluish-green foliage with many spikes of bright blue flowers over a long season.

Stunning in borders, containers or rock gardens.

Sowing time: February to April or July to September.

Sow in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place container in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag and keep at a temperature of between 15-21C (59-70F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination can take 1-4 months. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays.

Plant out once plants are well grown, 30cm (12in) apart. For best results, provide a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

Plants will prove reliably hardy if wet winter conditions are avoided. Over-winter September sowings in a cold frame and plant out the following spring.