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A dramatic tall perennial this is particularly useful plant because it comes into its own late in the season when many flowers have finished and because it thrives in damp shade. The slender bottlebrush-like flowers emerge in autumn from their buds a pale pink but deepen in colour as they age.  When mature they turn a rich dark pink. The flowers are heavily scented and are a magnet for butterflies. The foliage emerges in spring with strong purple tones and gradually turns greener as it matures through the summer. Try it at the back of a border between evergreens. Avoid removing the faded flowerheads since they provide an interesting silhouette in the winter garden.

• Garden care: Support using ring stakes well before the flowers appear. Cut spent flowers down to the ground in spring. Lift and divide congested colonies in late autumn or early spring.