Soil: poor or moderately fertile, moist, well-drained neutral to slightly alkaline soil
Rate of growth: average
Flowering period: July to September
Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
Some like it hot (and sunny!) and this upright evergreen shrub with lanceolate, variegated cream leaves, opening from cerise pink, is no exception. 'Marilyn Monroe' provides year round interest and slender racemes of pale lilac-blue flowers from midsummer to autumn. Great for adding glamour and structure to Mediterranean gardens and mixed shrub borders, this bombshell is no misfit in large patio pots either.
Garden care: Needs minimal pruning. Remove misplaced or frost damaged branches in late spring.
