Overview
Bistorta affinis 'Superba' is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Bistorta, part of the Polygonaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Bistorta affinis 'Superba' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include rock garden and cottage and informal garden.
About
Bistorta affinis 'Superba' is a semi-evergreen perennial that creates a broad mat reaching up to 20 cm in height. It features dark green, elliptical leaves and produces upright spikes of small pale pink flowers that transition to a deeper crimson hue as they mature.
About the genus
This genus consists of herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes, featuring upright, unbranched stems. At the top of these stems are short spikes adorned with small, bell-shaped flowers that can be white or pink in color.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bistorta
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Bistorta affinis 'Superba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Bogs
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bistorta affinis 'Superba'
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade See for further information about RHS plant trials and awards
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Bistorta affinis 'Superba'?
Grow in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade See for further information about RHS plant trials and awards.
Where is the best place to plant Bistorta affinis 'Superba'?
Bistorta affinis 'Superba' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Bistorta affinis 'Superba' need?
Bistorta affinis 'Superba' grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Bistorta affinis 'Superba'?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Bistorta affinis 'Superba' grow?
Bistorta affinis 'Superba' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Bistorta affinis 'Superba' hardy in the UK?
Bistorta affinis 'Superba' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Bistorta affinis 'Superba'?
Propagate by division in spring or autumn.