About
Tiny pink or white flowers in 1cm pompoms bloom in profusion and are borne on stem tips of slender stems to 60cm high from midsummer to autumn. 'Purple Fantasy' is a perennial plant with low mounds of upright stems, creeping vigorously from stout rhizomes. Triangular leaves emerge maroon-purple in spring, turning green and developing purple markings, with leaf undersides tinged pink; these are held on short winged stalks.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist soil in sun or part-shade. Dense groundcover, may be invasive and needs space to spread so careful siting is necessary
PruningCut back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by stem tip cuttings of non flowering shoots or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free