Glorious scabious-like, 4cm (1½in) pin cushion blooms in the softer hues: blue, mauve, pink, rose, salmon and crimson. Excellent back of border plant producing masses of flowers in two flushes (provided you cut down spent bloom), through to autumn frosts. Suitable for most types of soil. Flowers summer to early autumn. Height 90-120cm (3-4ft).

Sow from late February-June 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in a good seed compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 10-30 days at 21-24C (70-75F).

Transplant when large enough to handle into boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Later plant out 40cm (18in) apart in fertile well drained garden soil in a sunny spot.