Hylotelephium telephium 'Munstead Dark Red'

Named for Gertrude Jekyll's famous garden at Munstead Wood, Hylotelephium telephium 'Munstead Dark Red' carries a pedigree that goes back to one of the most influential gardens in English horticultural history. The foliage is a grey-greeen with rich purple and red highlights. Flowers are crimson-red, arriving in late summer and deepen the whole plant's red-on-red drama. It stands 12 to 18 inches tall, sturdily upright, with the kind of presence in a mixed border that makes you stop and look.

Performing reliably in Pacific Northwest gardens, 'Munstead Dark Red' brings some genuine history to the rock garden or mixed border. Full sun is essential for the richest foliage color — shade will green it up considerably. Well-drained soil on both sides of the Cascades, with extra attention to winter drainage on the wetter west side. Pair it with the late-season golden tones of ornamental grasses or Sedum 'Autumn Joy' for a warm-dark contrast that works from August through November. It arrives with a story and earns its place on its own terms — a combination that's hard to beat.