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

• Position: full light (with shade from hot sun)
• Soil: well-drained
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to September
• Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  These showy little plants make great gap-fillers for the front of a sunny border, and can also be used to liven up the display on the patio. Flowering over a long period (and in profusion), they look stunning when teamed up with strong blues and purples, but can also be tempered with a backdrop of silver foliage.
  
  
• 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.