Overview
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Bistorta, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' 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 borders, cottage gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is native to China, Himalayas and Pakistan.
About
Bistorta amplexicaulis, the red bistort or mountain fleece, is a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family Polygonaceae, native to China, the Himalayas, and Pakistan. It is a damp-loving herbaceous perennial growing to 1.2 m (4 ft) tall and wide, with heart-shaped pointed leaves, downy beneath, and narrow spikes of rose-red or white flowers in summer.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bistorta amplexicaulis
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, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings
- Native to
- China, Himalayas, Pakistan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates partial shade; deadhead to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to tidy and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn, seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield'?
Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates partial shade; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield'?
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' need?
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' 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 amplexicaulis 'Blackfield'?
Cut back after flowering to tidy and encourage fresh growth.
Is Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' hardy in the UK?
Persicaria amplexicaulis '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 amplexicaulis 'Blackfield'?
Division in spring or autumn, seed.
