New 2008

A quick and easy to grow species with slender stems and unusual sword shaped silvery-green foliage, which becomes tinged with red as autumn approaches. If you crush the foliage it gives off a refreshing spicy lemon aroma which is known to deter mosquitoes, making this ideal for growing as a houseplant indoors or as attractive and beneficial patio feature plant.

Height: : 90-150cm (36-60in). When restricted in containers, making it a manageable fragrant house/container plant. If grown naturally in borders could reach 27m (90ft).

Sow any time of year. Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays . The seed needs light to germinate so only give it a light dusting of vermiculite or no covering at all . Seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at a temperature of between 20-25C (70-75F) After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and erratic usually taking 14-90 days.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots of good, soil-less compost. Grow on and re-pot into 13cm (5in) pots until the plants are of a good size before planting out. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost.

Best grown in containers filled with a good quality potting compost for an attractive feature plant either indoors or outside on the patio. Plants grown in containers are best moved into a cool frost-free greenhouse or conservatory to protect them over winter.