New 2008

This spectacular architectural feature plant looks stunning planted in large ornamental or exotic borders and containers with its blue-green spiky foliage, which has a sweet peanut butter fragrance when crushed. Known as the Honeybush because its tall bronzered flower spikes project a beautiful honey fragrance.

Plants will need winter protection in cooler areas.

Height 225cm (90in)

Spread 200cm (80in)

Sow March to May into pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a temperature of around 13-18C (55-64F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 21-30 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, in borders 90-100cm (24-40in) apart . Prefers to grow a light, well drained light dry soil in full sun.

If growing in sunny borders in mild areas, when the foliage dies back after frost each winter protect the exposed crown ( centre ) with a dry winter mulch of straw or bracken.

Alternatively plant into large containers filled with a good quality potting compost for an attractive feature plant. Plants grown in containers are best moved into a cool frost free greenhouse or conservatory to protect them over winter. Plants will flower when established from May to August.