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.