Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring.

Soft tip cuttings taken during growing period up to 80mm (3? in) long. Plant out during early spring to autumn and space 750mm (30 in) apart.

Culture
In cool climates it is grown in conservatories or a glasshouse as a potted specimen. Under glass it prefers a well lit position, and watering should be reduced during winter.


Botanic information
Leaf: The leaves are ovate to obovate up to 25 mm (1 in) wide and have a course texture with bristles (sandpaper-like). The entire margin is ciliate and the petiole is very short.

Flower: The flowers are solitary capitulum with violent blue ray florets. They are held above the foliage on slender scape and have a long flowering period during spring. The flower colour varies from violet blue to sky blue with a yellow centre.

Fruit: The small ovoid achene are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively to maintain true to type.