Red bistort Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Rosea'
ABOUT
The plant named Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Rosea', commonly known as Mountain Fleece 'Rosea', boasts a graceful appearance marked by its dense clusters of slender, delicate, pink spikes. These flower spikes, which resemble bottlebrushes, rise above the foliage and add a soft, feathery texture to the garden. They bloom over a long period, providing a persistent splash of color. Below the flowers, the Mountain Fleece 'Rosea' has a lush backdrop of foliage. The leaves are broad, ovate, and somewhat heart-shaped at the base, presenting a rich green color that contrasts nicely with the rosy hue of the blooms. The leaves are arranged in an alternating pattern along the plant’s sturdy stems, which can sometimes have a reddish tinge. The overall impression of Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Rosea' is one of a robust and vigorous plant that adds a romantic and airy feel to the landscape. With its long-lasting bloom season and attractive foliage, it provides a continuous display of natural beauty throughout the growing months.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polygonaceae.
Synonyms
Mountain Fleece, Bistort, Red Bistort, Knotweed.
Common names
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Rosea'.
ToxicityTo humans
Red bistort is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, like many plants, individual sensitivity can vary, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plant material that is not known to be safe as food. There is no widely recognized toxicity associated with Red bistort for humans, and there are no known symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant. If ingested, it is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset, but if any adverse reactions are observed after ingestion, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Red bistort is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats, and there is no significant information to suggest that it poses a threat to their health. However, it is generally advisable to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their diet. If pets ingest parts of Red bistort, they may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but serious symptoms of poisoning or severe consequences are not commonly reported. If a pet does exhibit signs of distress after ingesting this plant, consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-7
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: 'Rosea' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its delicate rose-pink spikes of flowers, it adds soft color and texture to garden landscapes.
- Long Flowering Period: It blooms over an extended period from midsummer into fall, providing visual interest for several months.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is hardy and requires minimal care, tolerating neglect and various soil conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of dry weather without requiring excessive watering.
- Deer Resistant: Its foliage is not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer pressure.
- Erosion Control: As a robust perennial, it can help prevent soil erosion in sloped areas of the garden.
- Mass Planting Impact: With its clumping growth habit, it is suitable for mass planting, creating a striking display in large garden spaces.
- Border Planting: The plant can be used effectively as a border or as part of mixed perennial beds.
- Cottage Garden Style: It fits well into a cottage garden scheme, contributing to a relaxed and natural atmosphere.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Rosea', also known as Mountain Fleece, can be used to produce a natural pink dye for coloring fabrics.
- In crafting and basketry: The flexible stems of Mountain Fleece can be used in the creation of small woven crafts or baskets.
- For educational purposes: This plant can be used to demonstrate the process of pollination and the role of pollinators in gardens and natural spaces.
- As a photography subject: The striking pink flowers of Mountain Fleece make it a beautiful subject for botanical photography.
- As a cut flower: The blooms make long-lasting cut flowers for arrangements, adding a splash of color to indoor settings.
- Culinary garnish: While not commonly known for culinary uses, the flowers may serve as a decorative, edible garnish for salads or desserts (always ensure they are free from pesticides and other chemicals).
- In potpourri: Dried flowers of Mountain Fleece can contribute color and volume to potpourri mixes.
- For wildlife education: Mountain Fleece can be used in butterfly gardens to educate about the relationships between plants and the insects that pollinate them.
- Landscape design teaching: The plant offers a great opportunity for aspiring landscape designers to practice incorporating perennials with long blooming periods into garden plans.
- In artistic installations: The vibrant color and form of Mountain Fleece can be used for creating live art installations within a garden context.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bistort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Bistort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Rosea', commonly known as the Red Bistort, is a hardy plant that can adapt to various conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and overcome adversity.
- Attraction: With its bright pink flowers, the Red Bistort is known to attract bees and butterflies, representing the power of attraction and the ability to draw positive forces or influences.
- Growth: As a fast-growing plant, the Red Bistort symbolizes personal growth and the idea of thriving in one's environment.
- Connection: The plant's spreading habit and how it connects with other plants in the garden symbolize the importance of relationships and community.
WaterThe Red Bistort should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This plant prefers consistent moisture, so during the growing season, water it approximately once or twice a week, supplying about 1 gallon per plant each time, depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary. In the cooler months, when the plant is not actively growing, reduce watering frequency. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot, so always check soil moisture before adding more water.
LightRed Bistort thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in areas with intense afternoon sun, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from scorching. The ideal location would accommodate morning sunlight and dappled afternoon shade to ensure vibrant growth without overheating.
TemperatureRed Bistort grows well in a range of temperature conditions, but ideally, it prefers average garden temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. The plant is hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 0°F, making it suitable for growing in regions with cold winters. However, it's best to protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations and bitterly cold temperatures below 0°F that could potentially damage or kill it.
PruningPruning the Red Bistort is beneficial for maintaining its shape and encouraging fresh growth. It's best to prune in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems from the previous year. Additionally, deadheading the spent flower spikes after blooming can encourage a second flush of flowers. Pruning can be done yearly, or as needed, to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain Fleece prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. To achieve optimal growth, a mixture of garden soil, peat, and compost or well-rotted manure will provide the necessary nutrients and structure. Regular mulching can help to retain moisture and provide additional organic matter.
RepottingMountain Fleece doesn't require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same location for several years. Division or repotting is generally only necessary if the plant outgrows its space or if clumps become too dense, typically every 3-4 years.
Humidity & MistingMountain Fleece tolerates a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in average garden conditions without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal indoors, requires ample space and light.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/part shade, ensure space for spread.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Rosea', commonly known as Mountain Fleece 'Rosea', begins with seed germination in spring, typically in a moist and warm soil environment. Once the seeds have germinated, the young seedlings will emerge and begin the vegetative growth phase, developing a robust root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in summer to early autumn, with the distinctive rose-pink spikes attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed later in autumn, either by wind or with the assistance of animals. During the winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with the above-ground parts dying back and the roots surviving in the soil. With the return of favorable conditions in the next spring, the cycle restarts from the existing rootstock, or new plants arise from self-sown seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Rosea', commonly known as Red Bistort or Mountain Fleece, is best propagated by division. The best time to propagate this perennial is in the spring, just as the new growth is emerging, or in the fall, when the plant has finished flowering and is going dormant. To propagate by division, carefully lift a mature clump from the ground using a spade, ensuring to get as much of the root system as possible. With a sharp knife or garden spade, segment the clump into smaller divisions, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant these divisions at the same soil depth they were previously growing, spacing them 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth, and water them well to help establish the new plants. This method often results in a high success rate and allows gardeners to expand their collection or share plants with others.
![Red bistort [JS Seven Oaks Village]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b56557c0e3.png&w=640&q=75)
