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: June to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Throughout summer, spikes carry masses of rose pink flowers, each sitting within a deeper purplish-pink calyx. Their compact, tidy habit makes them ideal for containers and window boxes, as well as creating colourful drifts towards the front of a sunny border.
  
  
• 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.