About
Bistorta officinalis 'Superba' is a robust perennial that forms clumps and can reach heights of up to 95 cm. It features elongated, ovate leaves characterized by prominent veins and pointed tips. During the summer and continuing into autumn, it produces dense spikes filled with plump, soft grey-pink flowers. This plant tends to spread more readily in sunny areas, while its growth is more restrained in dry, shaded spots. It is well-suited for waterside settings, compact gardens, and the front of flower borders.
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
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Ideal for a moist soil although it can tolerate some dryness (with more of a wandering habit in dry shade). Suitable for full sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Deadhead faded spikes
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free