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

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately-fertile, reliably moist soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: August to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Long-lasting spikes of deep magenta flowers appear from August to September above strap-shaped, fresh green leaves. The attractive, bottlebrush flowers open from the top downwards. This exotic-looking perennial will bring a vertical accent and late summer colour to the middle of a sunny border. It makes an excellent cut flower and bees and butterflies love it, too.
  
  
• Garden care: Protect the young shoots from slug damage using beer traps or environmentally friendly slug pellets. Lift and divide congested colonies in spring, applying a mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant.