Prefers a sunny sheltered position and a well-drained sandy loam enriched with leaf-mould. Best if given a hot dry position in full sun. Plants are only hardy in the milder areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. Another report says that they are hardy to about -20°c. Plants are short-lived. A good bee plant.

Leaves - used as a flavoring. A very fragrant flavor.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 13°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Fairly simple, if large divisions are used it is possible to plant them straight out into their permanent positions. Basal cuttings of young shoots in spring. Harvest the young shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm tall and pot them up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse. They should root within 3 weeks and can be planted out in the summer or following spring.

Dry slopes in the mountains.