stachys hummelo - short neat foliage and long blooming small purple pompoms. see photos

Here is a link that might be useful: google image search for stachys hummelo

I was really impressed by ligularia 'The Rocket' - very stately, and the leaves are wonderful. It needs staking, but that's a small matter.

Laurel

Although Salvia guaranitica Purple Majesty was a fantastic plant for me too, I have to say that Salvia guaranitica 'Van Remsen' topped out Purple Majesty by a mile. That puppy got nearly as big as purple majesty and it bloomed much longer. In fact it sustained my late October hummingbird migrant until she was able to head south.

Penny