could it be M bartlettii? or M balmettii?

The features I'm having trouble matching are the lack of spikes on the top (just those rounded petals), it's multi-layer of petals and the dark green foliage with an almost black underside. I wonder if it is even Monarda, but that is what the neighbor I got it off of called it. She left the Azores 20 years ago, so we lost contact. I do remember she bought a lot of seeds from Thompson & Morgan, Stokes and Park's - companies that didn't specialize in exotic or unique plants.

are leaves aromatic? most smell of bergamot [earl grey tea]

Have asked on another site if anyone knows what it is. I will let you know if here is any response.

Been identified as Justicia carnea which is only grown inside in Britain as it is definitely tender here.

that solves that then. It looks lovely.

Thanks! I would have never guessed that. I have a patch that is around 2 meters across.