Elsholtzia Stauntonii

Elsholtzia stauntonii is a small to medium-sized, deciduous semi-shrub from northern China. The shrub has lanceolate, opposite glossy green leaves that turn a beautiful purple-red in autumn. At the end of the summer in September and October, Elsholtzia stauntonii blooms with large pink to lilac-purple spikes. This plant is hardy and can withstand quite a bit of drought once established. The leaves are also sometimes used as a 'kitchen herb'. Because of its special scent and color, this elsholtzia is often combined with Mediterranean plants.