Attractive dark purple-brown foliage and stems are followed in late spring to summer with lacy umbels of tiny white flowers, with small pink bracts.

An eye-catching, clump forming biennial or short-lived perennial to provide a dark foliage contrast to borders.

Occasionally a plain green seedling may appear, select seedlings with dark, purple brown foliage.

Height: 60cm (24in).

Sowing time: September to February or May to June.

Sow seeds on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place container in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 21C (70F).

Transplant individual seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Select seedlings with dark, purple brown foliage, occasionally a plain green seedling may appear.

Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 45-60cm (18-24in) apart in a moist, loamy soil in sun or partial shade.