Hardy perennial shrub flowering now. About 3ft tall and is well established. Small green leaves, like mint leaves. Flowers (on this shrub) dark red, small and individual - no bigger than a 5p - and shaped a little like tiny irises but their colour is solid not variegated.
I see it every morning in someone's garden while walking the dog. It flowers for ages and would suit my garden perfectly as this is the time of year I need some colour.
Have you ever thought of just knocking on the door and asking. If they dont know you could ask if you can photograph it to show someone at a garden centre.
Unfortunately I walk my dog at an ungodly hour so I don't think they'd be happy to receive callers that early! But I have thought about taking my mobile and snapping a pic - just have to remember to take my phone on the walk!