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Overview
Persicaria amplexicaulis or Mountain Fleece is a vigorous, clump-forming, leafy perennial with oval to heart-shaped, mid-green leaves.
In summer it produces a multitude of erect spikes bearing clusters of small, deep red flowers that are held aloft above the dense mounds of foliage.
These are excellent border plants, providing a medium to low ground cover of attractive foliage with plenty of bright colour swaying above. they last from summer through to autumn and are a very good value plant for the front or middle of mixed borders.
Soil: Any well drained soils will suffice, though some added organic matter like compost or aged manure will help retain access to moisture.
A layer of mulch is also good.
Choose a sunny location with some shade throughout the day.
Plant 3-5 plants per square metre initially for best effect.
Maintenance: These are vigorous plants and you will need to ensure they are contained where you want them to be.
Having said that they are easy to propagate by root division in spring or autumn when you want to spread them out.
Trim back after flowering has finished to just above ground level.
Originating from the Himalayas, they are quite frost hardy.
Diseases: Generally pest and disease free.
Other Species: There are around 80-100 species or annual and perennial herbs in the Persicaria genus including:-
Persicaria affinis – the fleece flower
Persicaria alpina – alpine knotweed
Persicaria bistorta
Persicaria chinensis – Chinese knotweed
Persicaria filiformis
Persicaria maculosa – Jesusplant
Persicaria odorata – Vietnamese coriander
Persicaria tinctoria – Chinese indigo,
Persicaria virginiana - Knotweed
Author: Bob Saunders.