Naturally dwarf multi-branching plants with lots of 5cm (2in) flowers of purple, rose and white. En-masse in bedding, borders and containers they make a passionate carpet of summer colour with the advantage of being drought tolerant. Height: 45-60cm (18-24in).

Germinate from February to May at 18-20C (64-68F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a fine sprinkling of vermiculite, but do not cover the seed completely. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 10-14 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Transplant seedlings, when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.