A truly elegant border perennial with blooms in blue, mauve and white on long slender stems which are much in demand for cut flowers. Flowers summer. Height 30in.

Sow from late winter to early summer 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in John Innes 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 8cm (3in) pots. Later plant out 40cm (16in) apart into fertile well drained garden soil in a sunny spot.