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Herbaceous PerennialBogs

Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Firetail'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

red bistort 'Firetail'

An herbaceous perennial forming a clump to 1.2m in height, with large, prominently veined ovate leaves and small bright red flowers borne in dense, long-stalked spikes to 10cm in length in summer and early autumn

Synonyms
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Speciosa'
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail'
see morePolygonum amplexicaule 'Fire Tail'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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