A robust grower that likes to spread, Steeplebush makes a great addition to a moist, open area in the landscape.  It also adapts well to sunny, dry spots and can be used as a hedge.
 
     Its gloriously beautiful purple flowers grow up the stalk, like steeples, and bloom for a month or more in mid-summer to early fall, making for a striking display. 
 
     Individual flowers are small but grow in dense clusters up the spike, opening from top to bottom.  Fruits are capsules that turn tan in late summer and brown in winter and can be used in dried flower arrangements.
 
     Steeplebush makes a great wetlands plant and stabilizer of sunny banks.  It responds well to annual, early spring pruning to the ground.
 
     Steeplebush is a larval host to Harris' Three Spot and other moth species, and it attracts butterflies, native bees, beetles and wasps.
 
     Photo: Doug McGrady