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

• Position: full sun
• Soil: any fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  In July and August, whorls of tubular, lilac flowers appear at intervals like fluffy beads, on erect stems held high above large, downy leaves. Even after the flowers fade, this plant retains a dramatic presence in the border, with architectural seedheads that look wonderful among late-flowering perennials and grasses. This is a versatile, robust perennial that can cope with drought and is equally at home as part of a cottage garden scheme or among silver leaved plants and ornamental grasses.
  
  
• Garden care: In mid-spring shorten any frost-damaged stems, cutting back to just above a healthy bud. Remove any weak or diseased shoots, cutting cleanly back to the base.