Japanese woodland sage, from the island of Honshu, produces broad spikes of purple two-lobed flowers late in the season, in October and November. A long stamen protrudes from the long lilac upper lobe. The lower lobe is deep purple with a white spot in the throat. The attractive foliage is arrow-shaped and coarsely toothed; as a member of the mint family, 'Shi Ho' has square stems. It requires at least partial shade and woodland conditions, which means moist and well-drained soil. Although we are using it as an annual for late color, it will survive milder winters as a perennial.