About
Spikes of red flowers appear in late summer and early autumn. A clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennial to 80cm with chunky, ovate to elliptic olive-green leaves, with a chocolate-brown chevron, red veins and red flush. Suitable for the middle of a flower border. Copes well in dry shade.
About the genus
Persicaria can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs with simple leaves and small bell-shaped white or pink flowers in long-lasting spikes or panicles
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Robust in dry shade See for further information about RHS plant trials and awards
PruningCut back old, flowered stems to the ground in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free