Tall, handsome spiky plants which add a touch of elegance to a bed or border. The flower spikes are produced over a long period and are excellent for cutting. A Fleuroselect Bronze Medal Winner. Flowers summer/autumn. Height 18in.

Sow in February/March on the surface of 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 2-3 weeks at 18-25C (65-75F). Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart in a sunny spot in ordinary garden soil.