This mysterious beauty bears 3-4" wide, funnel-shaped florets that are carried along one side of its robust stems, opening from the base. The deep maroon, velvety blooms are so dark, they appear almost black--save for a small, delicate, white stripe in midpetal. Tall enough to draw attention to the back of a border, the spectacular flower spikes are ideal for fresh-cut summer bouquets. The blooms attract pollinators but repel hungry deer and rabbits.[from brecks]

The flowers of unmodified wild species vary from very small to perhaps 40 mm across, and inflorescences bearing anything from one to several flowers. The spectacular giant flower spikes in commerce are the products of centuries of hybridisation and selection.[from wikipedia]