One of the loveliest hardy perennials. Once established, the plants multiply to become a strikingly beautiful colony with vividly coloured blooms which are excellent for cutting. Flowers early-mid summer.
Carmines, flame, yellow and pink, all whiskered, veined or mottled in darker colours in lily-like fashion. Less inclined to sprawl and a little earlier than Ligtu Hybrids.
Sow 3 seeds per 7.5cm (3in) pot, 5mm (¼in) deep in a good seed compost from mid winter to mid spring. Seal each pot in a polythene bag and leave at 21C (70F) for 3 weeks then place in a refrigerator at 5C (40F) for 3 weeks. After this return to 21C (70F). Germination should start in around 10-14 days.
Prefers a sunny sheltered site in well drained soil.
May cause skin allergy