Prefers a well-drained sweet soil and a sunny position. Grows well on chalk. Plants succeed in maritime gardens. Hardy to about -15°c. Another report says that it is hardy to about -25°c. This species has formerly been cultivated as a dye plant, the var. 'Kelawayi' is said to be the best form. Plants are apt to over-flower and exhaust themselves. It is best to remove the flowering stems as soon as they stop flowering in order to stimulate the production of basal shoots for the following year.

None known

Seed - surface sow March/April in a greenhouse. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Light aids germination. The seed usually germinates in 2 weeks at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of soft wood early summer in a frame. Very easy. Division in spring or autumn.

Sunny slopes, rocks, railway tracks and walls, usually on limestone.