Overview
Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' is a clump-forming, spreading perennial in the genus Bistorta, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, borders and rock gardens. 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
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Spreading
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, borders, rock gardens
- Native to
- Himalayas
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; cut back old flower stems after flowering
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; cut back old flower stems after flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes'?
Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' need?
Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Is Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' hardy in the UK?
Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' 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 'Donald Lowndes'?
Division in spring or autumn.
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