A well-known garden favorite. Genus name comes from the Greek wordsantimeaning like andrhismeaning a nose or snout in allusion to the appearance of the flower which looks like a dragon's snout.
Short-lived tender perennial, grown as annual. Moist, rich, well-drained soil in full to part sun. Avoid overhead watering. Low drought tolerance, languishes in the summer heat. Many color combinations, good in mass plantings; both tall and shorter cultivars available. Makes a good container plant and cut flower. Erect to straggling herb. Tall plants may need to be staked.
The flowers are edible, but bitter, so are best used as a garnish.
