BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Basil
• Genus: Ocimum
• Species: basilicum
• Cultivar: 'Purple Ruffles'
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun
• Hardiness: tender
• Soil type: well-drained/light
• Height: 0.6m
• Spread: 0.3m
• Time to plant seeds: March to April

Although it's a culinary herb, 'Purple Ruffles' is particlarly striking to look at. It's ideal as a contrast to other plants when used in bedding, containers or in 'potager' style gardens, that are a mixture of flowers, herbs and vegetables. The leaves are very large, dark, shiny and purple-black. They are also ruffled and fringed, which makes them even more of a talking point. Use it as a herb in cooking, too.