We’ve compiled a list of must-have persicarias
Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Fat Domino’
This unique cultivar was bred by Chris Ghyselen in Belgium in 2005. Living up to its name, fat, dark, red-purple blooms flower freely from July to October. They have a distinct upright growth and an outward-spreading habit, and reach around 80cm in height and spread. Persicaria is an under-used herbaceous perennial, with many other fine forms available. It should be wider grown by gardeners wishing to increase the textures and forms within their gardens. Plant in combination with other moisture lovers such as ferns and irises and let them mingle together to create a stunning display.
Persicaria campanulata ‘Rosenrot’
This form grows with upwardly arching stems bearing clusters of small, deep-pink flowers from July to October. Enhanced by having wonderfully wavy foliage with grey-green colouring, this plant has great assets to add interest in the garden. Persicarias are great for cut flowers, as they give height and texture to a vase, and you will always have blooms with their long flowering season. Place in a sunny or semi-shade aspect to get the best from them. Originating from India, Burma and China, persicarias are fully hardy in the UK and do well even in exposed situations, not hampered by the usual British weather of wind, rain and cold.
Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Orange Field’
This is an another recent introduction from breeder Chris Ghyselen of Belgium. A great-value perennial, which will flower for weeks on end from midsummer onwards, it’s noted for longer flower spikes and an unusual salmon-rose shade. With lush, deep-green foliage, this shorter form reaches heights of around 60cm and an equal width. One advantage of this cultivar is its general health; it doesn’t suffer from any major pest or disease problems, and if you have deer around, it has proved to be resistant to grazing. Persicarias are not fussy about pH and are happy in either an acid or alkaline soil; however, they perform best in a clay or loam soil. Though they run less in a lighter soil, moisture is a must for success.
