A kitchen garden essential. Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained soil Rate of growth: slow-growing Flowering period: March to May Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas) An evergreen that is grown for its lustrous, aromatic, dark green leaves rather than for the rather insignificant clusters of greenish-yellow flowers it bears in spring. The aromatic leaves are valuable used fresh or dried, for flavouring many savoury stocks, sauces and dishes. You could also use it with spices to add interesting depth to sweet dishes too. This handsome versatile plant is a kitchen garden classic that will thrive in most conditions, provided it is sheltered from strong winds. At home in formal planting schemes as well as a herb pot just outside the back door it can be easily clipped into a strong shape. This slow-growing evergreen is also perfect for screening and makes a lovely foil for deciduous flowering shrubs. These plants are supplied as untrained bushes, although they can be trained into most shapes, such as balls or pyramids. You will need some patience to train them into topiary shapes though as they are quite slow-growing. Garden care: Keep well-watered during the growing season and feed with a slow-release fertiliser such as Scotts Controlled Release Tablets. Clip established plants lightly twice during the summer months to retain a balanced shape, using secateurs not shears.

9cm Pot