Like lavender, they don't respond well to the older wood being cut - if its got really woody, and certainly if its two or more years old, time to remove and replace, though you could certainly try cutting it back hard before you give up on it.

Don't forget to take cuttings before you ditch it. I have only ever bought one Bowles mauve and take cuttings every year and grow them on over a year or two so I always have a plant to replace the woody ones. I find the purple is easy but the others are a bit more hit and miss.

I realise now that I should have taken cuttings.
Thanks to both of you, I will see how it gets on, leave well alone and look out for a new one!

Have a really close look lower down the stems,Chris,as you may find some tiny signs of new growth. If so,prune to just above that point..I still have cuttings from my original plant,but if yours is too far gone,another one might be the only option..

still take the cuttings from the top growth. I have just done that 3 weeks ago] with my bowles mauve and they are rooting in the greenhouse.

That's what I do with my Bowles mauve,Sbg..and so easy and quick to root...best £2 worth for the original from a supermarket ever :o)

Thank you everyone. Yes, there are plenty of nice green shoots on it so I will take cuttings straightaway. I only bought it last year so must keep it going somehow.

That's good,Chris..I'm sure they will be successful,and you will have saved yourself some money..to spend on another plant perhaps ? :o) x