Stunning deciduous-leaved plant grown for its gorgeous leaves. Ideal for exotic gardens, with tall grasses, banana plants and ginger lilies. We grow ours against a south-facing stone wall where it gets some protection in winter. It does get knocked back by frosts but regrows from the base like an herbacous plant. When it warms up in spring, I cut back what's left of the tatty foliage to make way for the great unfurling stems and leaves which have a pungent and nutty smell when broken. Hails from South Africa.

• Hardy to -13
• HxS 2x1m
• Blue-green leaves
• Mahogany flowerspikes and seedpods
• Full sun, sheltered spot
• Well-drained soil