Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Rock garden. Prefers a moist but well-drained rich sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in a sunny position though it also tolerates partial shade[1, 200, 208]. A very easy species to grow, it will tolerate almost any soil or situation though it prefers the fullest amount of sun[221]. Plants grow well on a sunny wall so long as the roots have soil to grow into[219]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[200]. A very free-flowering plant, indeed it has one of the longest flowering periods of any species in this genus[271]. If the plant is cut back as the flowers fade, it will usually produce a second flush of flowers later in the season[271]. The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true[221]. This species, however, especially under garden conditions, is more likely to produce hybrids than most other members of the genus[271]. The plants are self-fertile[221]. A very variable species in the wild[271]. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[200]. 'Chewton Joy' has pleasantly flavoured leaves[K]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Suitable for cut flowers. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 7 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots [1-2].