Primary hybrids

P. ’Blandfordianum’ Deeply cut leaves have a pungent, wormwood scent and masses of flowers with a deep-pink smudge on the upper petals. Originally raised by the Marquis of Blandford in 1805. 40cm. RHS H1C, USDA 10b-11. P. ‘Splendide’ A neat, compact mound of silver-grey foliage that is smothered from late spring with carmine and pale-pink flowers. Thought to be a hybrid of P. tricolor and P. ovale. 20cm. AGM. RHS H1C, USDA 10b-11. P. ‘Schottii’ From the same parent as P. ‘Ardens’, this has feathery, silvered foliage and larger flowers. The petals are a reddish purple and marked with black lines. Easy to propagate from stem cuttings. 40cm. AGM. RHS H1C, USDA 10b-11. P. ‘Deerwood Lavender Lass’ A primary hybrid raised in the USA in the 1990s, this is a sprawling plant with tight clusters of pale-pink flowers. Starts flowering in late April and is still going strong in October. 60cm. RHS H1C, USDA 10b-11.