This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Rich in nectar and irresistable to butterflies, the cone-shaped clusters of rich purple flowers, not only look great, but they'll also help sustain vital pollinators. A recently introduced hybrid, these plants are reliably compact, so they're perfect for placing at the front of the border - and they will also do really well when potted up and placed near a sunny entrance or patio.
  
  
• Garden care: Prune back hard in March, removing all of the previous year's growth to three or four buds.