Overview
Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Bistorta, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and groundcover. It is native to Himalayas.
About
Bistorta affinis, the Himalayan bistort, fleece flower, or knotweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae, native to the Himalayas.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bistorta affinis
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
- moist, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, groundcover
- Native to
- Himalayas
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types.
- Pruning
- Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types.
Where is the best place to plant Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red'?
Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' need?
Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' grows best in moist and well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red'?
Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' hardy in the UK?
Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red'?
Division in spring or autumn.
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