Hardy Perennial

• Flowers in : Mid to late Summer
• Germination : Experience Useful
• Aftercare : Care Required
• Ideal for : Borders, Dried Flowers
• Height : 36 inches

Description

This Himalayan native makes a strong yet delicate addition to borders. Its prickly, aromatic foliage appears beneath tall pagoda-like stems, with whorls of long white tubular flowers, which eventually change to rose then crimson as they mature. Flowers from mid to late summer.

Once the blossoms have finished, the tall green stems can be used as spectacular dried flower arrangements.

Height: 60-90cm (2-3ft).

Sowing Instructions

Sow February to July. Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist compost in pots or trays and cover to seed to its own depth with compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a temperature of between 18-21C (65-70F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 21-60 days.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. When seedlings are large enough move to a cold frame to grow on ready for planting in the autumn or over-winter small plants in the cold frame and plant out the following spring. Plant in groups of threes or fives spaced 45cm (18in) apart.

Aftercare

For best results, provide a well-drained soil in full sun.

Established plants can be lifted and divided carefully after they've bloomed, try to avoid damaging roots.