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. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Bistorta affinis 'Superba' (knotweed 'Superba') is a matforming herbaceous perennial from the Polygonaceae family, suited to boggy conditions. It is a semi-evergreen plant that grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres and spreads between 0.5 and 1 metre, reaching full size over 5 to 10 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to all garden aspects and exposure levels. It prefers moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soils, including clay and loam, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. It is notable for its interest during the winter season.
About the genus
Bistorta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygonaceae. As of February 2019 about 40 species are accepted. It has been supported as a separate clade by molecular phylogenetic analysis.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bistorta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bistorta
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
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bistorta affinis 'Superba'
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
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 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Bistorta affinis 'Superba'?
Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Bistorta genus
Browse all Bistorta →
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