This appeared in my garden this spring. The foliage is about 3 to 4 feet high with flower stems about another foot higher. The flowers are finally emerging and open from the top down. They are a reddish purple color and about an inch in length

I'd say Sanguisorba officinalis. Lovely plant.

Diana

I agree with Sue,
Sanguisorba officinalis
https://www.google.be/search?q...

Thank you ladies for your help. It must be much more common in your part of the world than mine. I'd love to know how it got into my garden.