Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’

Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ (08/09/2012, Kew Garden, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Late summer to early autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained to boggy

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Polygonaceae

Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial with a spreading, clump forming habit. Its dark green leaves are broadly lanceolate and up to 10cm long. Its stems are upright and bronze in colour. Its pale pink flowers are slender and up to 4mm across and 3mm long. These appear in dense racemes which are up to 8cm long. The roots of this plant are rhizomes which aids its spread.

The species Persicaria amplexicaulis, commonly known as Mountain Fleece, is native to the Himalayas. In its native habitat this plat grows in damp to boggy soils.. This plant will spread, but is not invasive. Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ is synonymous with Bistorta amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ and Polygonum amplexicaule ‘Rosea’.

The etymology of the binomial name Persicaria is derived from the Latin persicarus ’peach tree’ in reference to the likeness to the leaves of a peach tree. Amplexicaulis is derived from the Latin amplecti meaning ‘surround, encircle or embrace’ in reference to the way the leaves clasp the stem.

Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ (08/09/2012, Kew Garden, London)

The landscape architect may find Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ useful as an effective ground cover plant, particularly in damp areas, near lakes or ponds.

Ecologically,  Persicaria  amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ is attractive to bees and other insects.

Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’  prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate damp to wet soils.

Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring or autumn.