This is a superb plant for a sunny border. A clump-forming perennial which seeds itself. The silver woolly leaves are a pleasant backdrop to the bright magenta flowers which appear in late summer. It can tolerate most well-drained soils but produces the best leaf colour in dry soil.

My sister gave me a pot of seedlings but she couldn’t remember the name of them. I have potted on a load now and they are coming on well. Last time I spoke to her she said she thought they were Lychris or Rose Campion and I am very pleased because they are beautiful plants and will fit in nicely in a new bed I have made behind the pond.