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From spring to summer the branching pink flower-spikes are crowded with pink-flecked white flowers each held with a prominent lilac bract. These stand above the large aromatic mid-green leaves which can grow up to 23cm long. Coping well in sun or light dappled shade the blooms are a magnet for bees.

• Garden care:Sow the seeds shallowly in seed trays filled with good seed compost and when the seedlings are large enough to handle thin out and pot on individually into small pots. Plant out at 30cm intervals into a well-prepared sunny bed with moderately fertile well-drained soil. To prolong flowering, remove the flower spikes as soon they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. When watering it is best to give the plants a really thorough soak when the soil gets dry rather than applying a little water every day.