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

• Position: full sun
• Soil: light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Stiffly upright spikes are densely packed with deep pink buds, which open to rose pink flowers from midsummer. A valuable addition to the herbaceous border or gravel garden, where its long flowering period will provide an abundance of colour, while its erect habit will create vertical interest.
  
  
• Garden care: To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon as they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.