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

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: light, well-drained garden soil
• Rate of growth: fast growing
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The striking colouring of this herbaceous perennial makes it stand out from the crowd. The dark green leaves are often outlined in red or have red midribs, and in autumn will turn shades of red and yellow in the autumn before dying back. The flowerheads appear at the ends of the branches in early summer and these are striking shades of orange and red. Spreading to form quite large clumps, they work well in hot-themed borders and associate easily with ornamental grasses.
  
  
• Garden care: In autumn cut back the faded flower stems, avoiding new ones. When working with spurges always wear gloves since the milky sap is poisonous and a potential skin irritant. Remove unwanted seedlings each spring as part of routine border maintenance.