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

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: moist, fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering Period: August to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A wonderfully dramatic perennial for an area of partial shade, 'Queen of Sheba' forms a handsome clump of decorative, dusky purple foliage, above which slender, bottlebrush-like flowerspikes appear in late summer. A rare and showy woodlander, it's useful for extending the colour and interest well into autumn - and if the faded flowerheads are left intact, they will even provide an interesting silhouette throughout the winter.
  
  
• Garden care: Provide support (ring stakes are ideal), well before the flowers appear. Congested colonies can be lifted and divided in late autumn or early spring.