Stachytarpheta mutabilis

Stachytarpheta mutabilis

This is another seldom grown forgotten shrub from Brazil which I suspect may have become weedy in Queensland hence its fall from grace.It is interesting for the tall scaly flower spike which opens from the bottom upwards as if counting down the days of summer.Once the last of the pink flowers is open, summer is over. It only grows to about a metre and is good for an odd corner in the garden amongst perennials ,in sun or semi shade.The leaves are crinkly and have the some rough texture as Verbena ,the family of which this plant belongs.
2017 update: I no longer have a plant of this and it is probably regarded as a weed now.