Flowers look a bit like Sanguisorba - not sure about the leaves though.

As mentioned above, flowers look like a sanguisorba yet the leave like a sisyrinchium !!!!!

Have just googled Sanguisorba but as you say the leaves aren't like any of them. This plant is growing in the Scilly Isles. Thanks for replying.

Ah, the pic is from the Scilly Isles. I was going to ask about the Agave Ferox in the picture as they look in great condition.

The plant in question looks like a mature Pennisetum thunbergii 'Red Buttons' to me. Picture of a less mature one: http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/whats-looking-good-in-june-2013.52072/page-32

Must admit that pennisetum crossed my mind....maybe the grass is growing among the strap like leaves.

I know what you mean Badfish - those leaves do look like Spanish Dagger or Phormium.

I vote for a trip to the Scilly Isles to check it out.

Tried googling gardeners corner etc but you have to sign in, password & didn't want to do that. Will look up Pennisetum now. Thankyou all for trying. Will get email address of Tresco garden next.