The rainbow of bright foliage and tall, erect habit of this glorious Summer Poinsettia (Amaranthus) make it a garden standout even in the back of the border. The upper foliage—a brilliant display of scarlet and yellow—tops the base of yellow, green, and chocolate-brown, as if a lovely bloom had been set atop a brightly-colored plant. No two plants will show exactly the same color patterning, so be sure to plant several and enjoy the differences.

Perfecta is a somewhat narrow, column-shaped plant that reaches 4½ feet tall and just 12 to 18 inches wide in the sun-soaked garden. Not afraid of damp soils, it is a good choice for waterside plantings, and combines beautifully with summer-blooming annuals and perennials. And few sights are as stunning as an Amaranthus garden, with its amazing display of color and form. Try combining Perfecta with yellow-leaved Illumination.

It's easy to see why Amaranthus is called Summer Poinsettia, with its long, pointed leaves of radiant colors. But unlike that holiday plant, you will enjoy this colorful display for many months—from midsummer right up until frost in the sunny garden. Very drought-tolerant, too.