A popular, hardy shrub grown for its dusky purple, oval leaves that turn red in November. It’s deciduous, but holds on to its leaves quite late in the autumn and in my garden it’s just starting to perform its seasonal fiery display.
Also known as the ‘Smoke bush’, in July and August it is festooned with fluffy plumes of purplish-pink flowers that look like a haze of smoke. I don’t get so much ‘smoke’ on my shrub as I hard prune it in early spring to get the biggest paddles of leaves. Its striking foliage forms a good backdrop for tall perennials at the back of a mixed border.
Leaves still quite purple – 4 November.
The same leaves a week later turning colour.
Left to grow on, this shrub can reach 5m high and wide, so make room for it or be prepared to prune. A position in full sun is preferred.
The red and orange colours move upwards until the shrub’s purple foliage is just hanging on at its tips – 13 November.