[3][5] and it is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant in cottage gardens and as a cut flower.

[1][6] This is an annual or biennial plant with one erect, mostly unbranched stem growing 20–100 cm (7.9–39.4 in) tall.

The large solitary flower head grows at the top of the stem and sometimes on branches.

Cultivated varieties can have ray florets in most any color, including red, pink, blue, purple, and white.

This plant is a naturalized species in some areas outside of its native range (Indochina, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, etc.)

As an ornamental plant it thrives on fresh, nutrient-rich, easy-humus rich soils in warm humid air conditioning.

Pest insects can include leafhoppers, aphids, blister beetles, and the tarnished plant bug.