This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Dark magenta buds open to purple-pink tubular flowers from midsummer onwards, adding colour to the garden for several months. The flowers are loved by butterflies, attracting them in their droves, so this makes a wonderful addition to a wildlife- friendly planting scheme. Very easy to grow, offering long-lasting colour.
  
  
• Garden care: To keep it compact prune back hard in March, removing all of the previous year's growth to three or four buds.