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Genus Persicaria (Fleeceflower, Knotweed)

Persicaria Persicaria amplexicaulis Photo/Illustration: Steve Silk
per-sih-KAR-ee-ah Common Name: Fleeceflower, Knotweed Synonyms: Aconogonon, Bistorta, Polygonum, Tovara
These rhizomatous or stoloniferous plants are spreading and sometimes invasive. They have fleshy stems and conspicuously veined leaves, some of which exhibit autumn color. Many are suitable in a mixed container or border, others naturalized in a woodland or meadow. All plant parts may cause skin irritation on contact and stomach upset if ingested.
 Noteworthy characteristics: The genus produces showy pink, red, or white spike-like flower clusters followed by distinctive oval fruits.
 Care: Grow in moist soil in full sun to partial shade. P. bistorta can tolerate drier soil.
 Propagation: Divide perennials in spring or fall. Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Divide perennials in spring or fall.
 Problems: Aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, snails.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Persicaria

Persicaria amplexicaulis Persicaria amplexicaulis
(Bistort, Mountain fleece) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This vigorous, but noninvasive perennial flowers from early summer into autumn with bright red, purple, or white blossoms. The narrow blossoms are up to 4 inches long, and are held on long stalks above pointed, slightly puckered leaves. It grows to 4 feet high and wide.
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail'
(Bistort, Mountain fleece) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This vigorous but noninvasive perennial flowers from early summer into autumn with crimson blossoms to 6 inches long. Its leaves are dark green, arrow-shaped, and slightly puckered. It grows to 4 feet high and wide.
Persicaria polymorpha Persicaria polymorpha
(Giant fleeceflower) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This massive herbaceous shrub needs a lot of room to show off its vase-shaped form, but it does not spread or self-sow like some of its relatives. It blooms close to the ground from June and continues throughout the summer atop 6-foot-tall stems. The large, white, astilbe-like blossoms fade to pink and then reddish-brown as the season comes to a close.