can't quite make out the picture - I'm trying to decide between a buddleia and willowherb (based on the gifts that the birds have left in my yard this spring)

Maybe someone can offer a more positive suggestion.

Can we have a better picture? Do the leaves at the bottom belong to something else?
It's definitely not a willowherb and I don't think it's a Buddleja either - although I could well be wrong!

Be interesting to know if this stood outside for the winter or was in a greenhouse, then at least it would filter out the non-hardy plants!
Did wonder about one of the Salvia shrubs, but not sure they have that colour stem.

Thank you all for the replies. It isn't a buddleja, I have lots of those. It's just the long, prickly stem with the leaves on the top Landgirl. I'll plant it out and see what happens.

Maybe one of the Echium species?

I'll look up Echium, thank you.

Just to say Tugbrethil that you were quite right in thinking my strange plant (May 9th question) was an Echium. I saw it at Hampton Court Flower Show on Thursday and then last night it was featured on coverage of the show. Sad to learn that when/if it eventually flowers it will then die.

Yes, spectacular when they bloom, but it's the beginning of the end. On the other hand, you will probably get quite a few volunteer seedlings.