Thanks to successful breeding we can now have the versatile Verbascum in gorgeous pastel shades. Long spikes bear 1in flowers in shades of apricot, dusky pink, cream and lavender-pink over a long period. Use them for bedding (sown in the previous autumn), herbaceous borders and containers. Do not forget that they make fantastic cut flowers too. Height: 660-120cm (2-4ft).

Sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed sowing compost from February-June. Germination takes 7-30 days at 15-18C (60-65F).

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.