The robust plants are actually incapable of setting viable seed, so we must offer seed which has been pollinated meticulously by hand between the two parent plants. As with most F1 Hybrids, special factors are tremendous vigour and a plant that just keeps on flowering, as it tries to produce seed which it cannot do. The gorgeous silky, large blooms will smother the soft, silver stems which reach up to 3ft. A great range of fashionable and delicious colours - ranging from copper to buff, apricot, old rose, tan and other lovely blends, all bursting from the contrasting silvery-grey flower spikes and buds. Sown in January/February they will easily flower during the summer of their first year, and if cut back will often re-bloom. An excellent performer.

Sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed sowing compost from February-June. Germination takes 7-30 days at 20-30C (68-86F).

When large enough to handle transplant the seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) pots, and when well grown plant out in autumn or spring 60cm (24in) apart in full sun and well drained soil.

Remove faded flower spikes below the lowest flower to encourage secondary spikes and cut down to ground level in early winter.