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: fertile, moist soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Upright, dark purple stems are clothed with deep green foliage that emerges in spring with a red flush. This provides a marvellous contrast for the flat-faced, bright cherry-red fragrant flowers, which open from dark buds to form very showy terminal cymes.
  
  
• Garden care: Support with bamboo canes, brushwood or ring stakes before the flowers appear. Cut back and compost the faded flower-stems in late autumn. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring.