This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, deep, moist soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Slender spikes of brilliant yellow flowers on dramatic black stems zoom above large, handsome, boldly toothed leaves in July and August. This towering deciduous perennial makes a striking specimen plant for a moist, sunny border or bog garden. Or try it beside water, and make sure it has protection from the strong, midday sun.
  
  
• Garden care: Protect the young shoots from slug damage using beer traps or environmentally friendly slug pellets. The plant must be kept moist, so if you do not have a naturally boggy spot for them, you can create one by digging out an area and lining it with tough plastic, before punching a few holes through the bottom for drainage. Water regularly during periods of drought, and lift and divide large clumps in spring or after flowering. Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost in spring.