What ever they are, they are beautiful !!! It might help to tell us what part of the country they are in, are they wild or in a garden? They look like they might be from the cone flower family. I'm sorry I can't be of better help.

It's in a garden, think planted after purchase in 2012, flowered 2013.

This is Michauxia campanuloides. I wonder if it was purchased from Derry Watkins at Special Plants near Chippenham? Because it's pretty unusual and she sells it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Special Plants

Thank you. Just another reason for wanting to go to Special Plants (I have had seeds but only by post) this was in a friend's garden and he didn't know where he got it ftom! A must have for me now!