Bistorta officinalis 'Superba'
red bistort 'Superba'
A vigorous, clump-forming herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennial to 95cm, with strongly veined, finely pointed ovate leaves and dense spikes of small, fat, long-flowering soft grey-pink flowers in summer through to autumn. Tends to spread more easily in sunny locations, less so in dry shade. Good for waterside, smaller gardens and at the front of a flower border
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Grey Silver | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Grey Silver | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A genus of herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials with erect, unbranched stems, bearing short terminal spikes of small, white or pink, bell-shaped flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Ideal for a moist soil although it can tolerate some dryness (with more of a wandering habit in dry shade). Suitable for full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required. Deadhead faded spikes
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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