New 2008

A riverside plant with attractive umbels of cream/green tinged white flowers, on fragrant foliage, staying open throughout the summer. Used widely in pot-pourri as both the leaves and flowers have a sweet, fragrant scent.

Height to 90cm (3ft) but can be trimmed.

Sow March to May. Place seed on the surface of seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which takes up to 21 days. Keep compost on the dry side at all times. Do not exclude light.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for a few days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.

Apply a mulch of compost for added winter protection.

Makes a delicious and healthy tea.