About

Bistorta vacciniifolia is a low-growing perennial that creates a dense ground cover of small, shiny, oval-shaped leaves, which develop a rusty-brown hue and remain through winter. In late summer to early autumn, slender flower spikes measuring 6-8 cm emerge, adorned with clusters of small pink blossoms.

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
Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native to
Himalaya

Care notes

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