Gilia tricolor

Bird's eye flowers are an unusual shade of pale lilac, fading to whiter shades as they mature. They form very crisp open cups with petals splayed outwards and there is a black ring at the petal base and a tiny yellow heart at the centre. The foliage is finely cut with needle like leaves in small sprays. The plant has a rather weak growth habit and may benefit from discreet twig support. Dead head regularly or cut blooms for use in the house and they will flower from late spring through the whole of summer. Give them a sunny site with a light soil that is well drained. It stands around 40cm (16in) high with a 25cm (10in) spread.