Persicaria 'Dimity'

Persicaria 'Dimity': Pink Spikes Over a Weed-Smothering Mat

A dense, leathery green mat covered in short pink pokers that deepen to rose as they age. 'Dimity' is low to the ground and HIGH ON ITSELF.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Persicaria affinis (syn. Bistorta affinis, Polygonum affine)
• Common Name: Dwarf Fleeceflower
• Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
• Spread: 30–60 cm (12–24 in)
• Flowers: Short, poker-like spikes in mixed shades of pink, with deeper rosy tones as they age
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June to September)
• Foliage: Leathery, dark green, forming a dense mat. Turns bronzy red in fall.
• Features: Rabbit resistant

Where to Plant: Use it as an edging along paths, a groundcover at the front of a border, between stepping stones or spilling over a rock garden or low wall. It fills gaps and helps keep weeds down, but it spreads steadily, so give it room or a clear edge like a lawn or path.

Companion Plants: Iris 'Black Joker' adds deep purple Siberian iris blooms in May and June and upright leaves at 48 to 50 cm. Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush' brings yellow black-eyed Susans from July to October. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides weaves through at the front with blue flowers from August to October. 'Dimity' ties it all together with pink spikes from June to September.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part shade in average soil. It grows best with steady moisture, but once established it handles dry spells. In hot, dry sites, a little afternoon shade helps. Water through the first season. There's no need to deadhead. Tidy up any winter-damaged leaves in spring. Divide in early spring if it spreads farther than you'd like, and share the pieces.

History: Persicaria affinis comes from the rocky mountain slopes of the Himalayas and has also been sold as Polygonum affine or Bistorta affinis. The Royal Horticultural Society lists 'Dimity' as the same plant as 'Superba', which holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Deer and rabbits skip it, butterflies don't, and the leaves go bronzy red in fall. Plant it along the path. THE CARPET THAT NEVER NEEDS VACUUMING.