Many thanks to both of you! The identification will give me more of an idea where I should plant it.

Grief, I HATE that whole dwarfing thing going on - bad enough that plants are selectively bred for innate height restriction but mucking about with gibberellin inhibitors to keep plants small (for a season) really infuriates me beyond reason. Why? The plants invariable retain large flowers on a stunted looking plant (the travesty campanula lactiflora 'pouffe' is one that makes me desire to crush it under my heels). I am always on the lookout for tall graceful perennials but will accept that people like little cushiony ones too (I like the little alpine pinks and armeria, androsace, aubretia, as much as anyone) but a plant such as platycodon is disusting as a squat little thing when, left to its own devices, it will gain a height of 70cm (2.5feet), swaying gently while still remaining utterly self-supporting - what could there be to not like about that?

Check out Helenium Mardi Gras. It doesn't bloom that fully this late in my garden, but the color and height seem similar. Mine blooms for about 2 months in July and August. Other types I have don't bloom quite as long and have grown to more like 4' tall. There are types that range in size from about 2' to 5' and they range in petal color from yellow through orange to a deep slightly orange red. Great plant!

Yes, I believe GG's ID is right; looks good. What does the tag say? Am guessing just 'Foliage'? KarenS, NYC