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Persicaria amplexicaulis (Bistort, Mountain fleece)

Persicaria amplexicaulis Photo/Illustration: Steve Silk


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Persicaria amplexicaulis per-sih-KAR-ee-ah am-pleks-ih-KAWL-is Common Name: Bistort, Mountain fleece Synonyms: Bistorta amplexicaulis, Polygonum amplexicaule Genus: Persicaria
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.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Persicaria are rhizomatous or stoloniferous plants that 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.  
 Care: Grow in moist soil in full sun to partial shade.
 Propagation: Divide plants in spring or fall. Sow seed in spring in a cold frame.
 Problems: Aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, snails
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium to Wet
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Attracts Butterflies; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Fall; Summer
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower; Red Flower; White Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Naturalizing, Waterside
Style , Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Perennials

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