Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Dark Green, Purple

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

High

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Tropical, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

This impressive perennial makes a great show in the back of the border. Its shrubby-like appearance provides substance to a summer border. Foliage emerges purple and ages dark green to bronze. New stems are also purple. White flower clusters appear mid to late summer, and are very showy against the dark foliage. Grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Attracts butterflies.

This is not a low-water plant, and requires regular watering. It thrives in heavy clay soils, and moist sites, in sun to light shade. Though herbaceous, it has a nice winter presence and lasts well into the winter, even when dormant. Cut it back hard in late winter.