About
An erect annual with narrowly oblong leaves and lax clusters of white-eyed, pink flowers to 2.5cm across, in summer.
About the genus
A small genus of flowering annuals native to the Mediterranean with green, lance-shaped leaves and long, thin, arched stems of pink, red, blue, purple or white flowers in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toCanary Is., Medit.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun or dappled shade. The photograph shows a seed strain sold as Brilliant mixture
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in-situ in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews