Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' — perennial

Overview

Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' is a perennial in the genus Persicaria, part of the Polygonaceae family. Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and groundcover.

About

Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' is a cultivated member of the Persicaria genus in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae. As a Persicaria it produces the genus's characteristic flowering spikes and blooms in the UK from July to September. Plants in this genus are herbaceous, with stems and alternately arranged leaves, and may develop from taproots, fibrous roots, rhizomes or stolons. The inflorescences may be arranged as panicles, spikes or compact heads.

About the genus

Persicaria is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae. Plants of the genus are known commonly as knotweeds or smartweeds. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species occurring nearly worldwide.

Wikipedia contributors, "Persicaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Persicaria

In the garden

Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' sits within the Persicaria genus of the Polygonaceae family, a group of herbaceous knotweeds and smartweeds that occur widely across temperate regions. Members of the genus display a variety of growth forms — annual or perennial, with taproots, fibrous roots, rhizomes or stolons — and carry alternate leaves often accompanied by a papery or leathery ochrea at the stem nodes. Flowering structures in Persicaria take panicle, spike or head forms and the genus produces small tepaled flowers in a range of hues. Propagation and management follow the genusʼs growth habits: plants with rhizomes or stolons can be divided to rejuvenate clumps and control spread, while those with taproots suit planting from individual crowns. Cutting back spent flowerheads after the season helps tidy the plant and can limit self-seeding where that is a concern. Expect the flowering period in the UK to run from July to September, when the inflorescences will be most evident. Use Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' where a summer flowering display is wanted; the genusʼs range of forms allows use in herbaceous borders, mixed perennial schemes and larger planting areas where sequence of summer bloom is required. Note the plantʼs July to September flowering when planning summer colour sequencing in the border.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Persicaria

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: moist, well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
Exposure: sheltered, exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, groundcover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Can tolerate a range of soil types. May spread via rhizomes.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division, seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Can tolerate a range of soil types. May spread via rhizomes.

Where is the best place to plant Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield'?

Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.

What soil does Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' need?

Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' grows best in moist and well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.

Is Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' hardy in the UK?

Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield' 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 amp. 'Blackfield'?

Division, seed.

More in the Persicaria genus

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