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

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: poor-to-average, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Elegant and stylish, while being adaptable and easy to grow, it's not suprising that this stunning perennial is one of Piet Oudolph's favourites. It forms an attractive clump of feathery foliage, from which the slender, branching stems rise up in summer, each topped with a claret-red flower spike. Not only do these add colour and structural interest, but as they catch the breeze, they also add movement. They look right at home in both mixed or herbaceous borders, and they are also ideal for more naturalised settings including gravel or prairie-style settings.
  
  
• Garden care: Divide plants in spring or autumn.