Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' - Red Fleeceflower or Knotweed

photo by Chris Ghyselen

Want to know what plant is 'all the rage' in Europe? and a 2010 Royal Horticultural Society Plant of Merit?

The 3' - 4 ft tall 'Firetail' Knotweed or Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’

photo courtesy of Big Dipper Farm

Beloved by James Van Sweden and Piet Oudolf, this non-invasive Himalayan perennial adds a “nice red spark” to the late summer garden (from July through Frost). It forms a bushy mound of foliage topped by brightly colored “tails” of tiny crimson flowers.

It looks great in a mass planting and wonderful as a background for Asters, mums, short grasses, geranium 'rozanne'. Contrasts well with purple salvia, echinops, helianthus, nepeta or perovskia. Also effective in moist areas along streams or ponds. Underplant it with early-spring-blooming bulbs for color in the spring .

avalon perennials

Persicaria amplexicaulis prefers moist soils and partial sun to full sun conditions. It has no serious disease or insect problems.  Hardiness USDA zones 5 to 9

Persicaria Pink Elephant from Chris Ghyselen

There area many varieities of Persicaria amplexicaulis available from white, pink to dark red.  For great photos of this beautiful and useful go to the website of Persicaria breeder Chris Ghyselen from Belgium. He lists over 30 cultivars of P. amplexicaulis!  Some varieties flop over and are best supported or surrounded by dense neighbors.

 

Garden Design - photo by Jason Dewey

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