A showy plant with large Daisy-like flowers borne on long stems. These flowers are often recommended for cutting, although they close in the evening. When the plants are about 5 in. high, pinch out the growing points to encourage bushiness. If you dead-head regularly and support the stems with twigs the eye-catching display should last until the first frosts arrive.
VARIETIES: You will find two basic groups in the catalogues. A. grandis produces flowers with white or pastel petals sur-rounding a central blue disc, and although attractive this group is less popular than A. hybrida. This latter group is usually sold as ‘Large-flowered Hybrids’, producing 4 in. flowers in many brilliant colours.
SITE & SOIL: Any soil apart from heavy clay will do – thrives best in full sun.
PLANT DETAILS: Height 1 ½ ft. Spacing 1 ft. Flowering period June – September.
PROPAGATION: Sow seeds in April where they are to flower. Thin to required spacing.
