Persicaria 'Superba'

Persicaria 'Superba': Fat Pink Bottlebrushes by the Pond

Soft pink bottlebrushes on upright stems, like somebody planted a whole row of cotton candy. 'Superba' takes soggy clay that ruins other plants and treats it like a SPA DAY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' (also listed as Bistorta officinalis 'Superba')
• Common Name: Bistort, Fleece Flower
• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) in flower
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Dense, soft pink, bottlebrush-like spikes on upright stems
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to July), with scattered repeat flowers later if deadheaded
• Foliage: Broad, mid-green leaves forming a low, semi-evergreen clump
• Features: Rabbit resistant, good for cutting, tolerates moist and clay soil, holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: It shines along ponds and streams, in rain gardens and in any border that stays on the moist side, and it tolerates clay. Plant it in groups near the front or middle of a border, or let it knit together as a loose groundcover.

Companion Plants: Euphorbia polychroma brings yellow cushions in April and May, just ahead of the bistort. Allium 'Serendipity' adds purple globes at 38 to 51 cm in July and August. Elymus canadensis is a native grass that sways at 90 to 150 cm behind, flowering from July to September. Together they cover spring through late summer in sun or part sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part shade, in moist, humus-rich soil. It tolerates clay well. In hot, dry spots it needs regular water and appreciates some afternoon shade, or the leaves will sulk. Cut spent flower stems down to the leaves to tidy the plant and encourage a few more spikes. Trim back any tired foliage in late fall or early spring. The clump spreads slowly by rhizomes; divide in spring or early fall when it outgrows its spot.

History: Bistort is native to the damp meadows of Europe and northern and western Asia, and its name comes from the Latin for "twice twisted," describing its S-shaped root. 'Superba' is the classic garden selection, prized for its larger, longer-lasting pink spikes, and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Deer and rabbit resistant, great in a vase and happy in that wet corner you've given up on. NAME CHECKS OUT.