Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Firedance'

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red bistort 'Firedance'

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red bistort 'Firedance' Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Synonyms

Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firedance'

Plants for pollinators
Bogs Herbaceous Perennial
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A robust, clump-forming perennial with mid-green, wavy-edged, oval to heart-shaped leaves to 10cm long. Long stalked, narrow spikes of vivid salmon-red flowers are borne in profusion from midsummer to early autumn; to 90cm high

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polygonaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

Grow in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Substantial mounds of foliage steadily increase in size, needing space and careful siting

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free