Overview
Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' is a clump-forming, spreading perennial in the genus Bistorta, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous, lance-shaped leaves foliage. Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, ground cover and damp areas. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.
About
Bistorta officinalis, known as bistort, common bistort, European bistort, or meadow bistort, is a species of flowering plant in the dock family Polygonaceae native to Europe and northern and western Asia. Other common names include snakeroot, snake-root, snakeweed, and Easter-ledges.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bistorta officinalis
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Spreading
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Lance-shaped leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Ground cover, Damp areas
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; divide clumps in spring or autumn
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division, Basal cuttings, Self-seeding
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to most pests
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to most diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; divide clumps in spring or autumn.
Where is the best place to plant Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'?
Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' need?
Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Is Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' hardy in the UK?
Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'?
Division, Basal cuttings, Self-seeding.
