The perennial on the left is Eutrochium (formerly Eupatorium) maculatum, or Joe-Pye Weed. Despite the name, it is not a weed, but a truly spectacular late-summer bloomer. I am looking at some out my window right now! This looks like it could be a cultivar called "Gateway".
The shrub on the right looks like a Clerodendron, but the photo is not detailed enough for me to be sure. If you would like a definite i.d., please send a sharp close-up of the flower bracts.

Thank you so much!

Here is a closeup of my friend's plant.

Thanks for sending this photo. This is not a Clerodendron as I thought, but Leycesteria formosa, or Himalayan honeysuckle. The OSU Landscape Plants site http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/lefor.htm says about it,

• Deciduous shrub or subshrub, fast growing, basal branching, multi-stemmed (purplish), upright habit, 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) tall.  Leaves simple, opposite, ovate, 8-20 cm long, 4-10 cm wide, acuminate tip, base cordate, margin entire or serrate, green above, paler and pubescent below.  Flowers in 3-10 cm long pendulous clusters, corolla reddish-white to violet, surrounded by purple bracts.  Fruit is bead-like, glossy green, becoming maroon then purple-black, a single cluster may contain fruit showing the above color range.
• Sun or light shade.  Needs regular watering.  Rejuvenate by pruning to the ground.
• Hardy to USDA Zone 7         Native to western China and eastern Tibet.
• Caution: some concern that Leycesteria formosa may become a noxious weed or invasive plant.  It is on the national list of 52 invasive plants in Australia.  This list was developed by weeds specialists from throughout Australia with consultation with nursery and garden industry associations.  It is listed in the Common Weeds of New Zealand.

My friend is so appreciative as am I.  Thank you so much!