Overview

Persicaria affinis 'Superba' is a perennial in the genus Bistorta, part of the Polygonaceae family. It typically grows around 0.25 metres tall and 0.6 metres wide. Persicaria affinis 'Superba' 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 groundcover and borders. It is native to Himalayas.

About

Persicaria affinis 'Superba' is a mat-forming perennial in the Polygonaceae that forms dense clumps roughly 25 cm high and 60 cm across. It bears cylindrical spikes of pale pink to rose-red flowers from June to August. Leaves are produced mainly at ground level, creating a close carpet beneath the flowering stems.

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

In the garden

Persicaria affinis 'Superba' belongs to the genus Bistorta within the Polygonaceae and originates from montane regions of Asia. It grows as a low, mat-forming perennial that sets numerous short, erect flowering stems above a basal rosette of leaves. The flower spikes appear in summer and run through June to August, and the inflorescences are commonly retained on the plant into the colder months. Allow space for the plant to spread when placing it; groups will knit together to form a continuous carpet of foliage and summer bloom. Lift and divide congested clumps in spring to maintain vigour and replace old crowns. The upright flower stems are easy to trim after flowering if you prefer a tidier edge, but leaving spent spikes in place provides winter structure. Because of its low, spreading habit and persistent summer flowers, Persicaria affinis 'Superba' suits front-of-border planting, edging, and areas where a durable ground cover is required beneath taller plants. The combination of basal leaves and short flowering stems makes it particularly useful where a clear, low-growing layer is needed under shrubs or along paths. The plant's flower spikes often remain through winter, offering visual interest when many herbaceous plants have died back.

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

Exposure

sheltered, exposed

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Persicaria affinis 'Superba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Height

0.25 metres

Spread

0.6 metres

Suggested uses

groundcover, borders

Native to

Himalayas

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Persicaria affinis 'Superba'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types. Can be used as groundcover or in borders.

Pruning

Cut back old flower spikes after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn.

Frequently asked questions