Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring.

Soft tip cuttings taken during growing period up to 80mm (3⅛ 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.