New 2008

An attractive wild flower with bright pink flowers with raggedy petals. Hence it is often known as Ragged Robin, because, just like the bird, it stands out brightly at the start of summer. Plant in damp areas of the garden.

Height 25-100cm (10-40in)

Sow July-September in a coldframe, or direct in soil in autumn.

Sow seeds onto the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place sown container in a coldframe or seal inside a polythene bag and place at a temperature of 15-21C (60-70F) until after germination which usually takes 21-30 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination. Alternatively sow seeds in the autumn, direct into the soil where they are to grow. Seedlings can be thinned the following spring if necessary.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise young plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out the following spring, 30-45cm (12-18in) apart.

Prefers damp, water retentive, even heavy soils, in full sun.