Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Speciosa'

Sizes available: Trade gallon (#1)

Basics: zones 4-7, 36-48" x 36", full sun to part shade, Bright crimson-red bottlebrush type flower on thin, multi-branched stems from summer into fall, likes rich, medium to wet soils, and especially wants it wet in full sun positions, doesn't care for strong afternoon sun, especially without enough water

Common names: Firetail, Smartweed, Red Bistort, Mountain Fleece

Synonyms: Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail'; Polygonatum amplexicaule

Family: Polygonaceae

Origin/Distribution: Pakistan, China, Himalayas

Habitat: sunny, damp places

More: Good for pond margins, wet meadows, and bog gardens. Attracts pollinators and its long-blooming flowers are a good nectar source. Deer resistant. This structural but airy perennial won't be for every garden. It is vigorous and self-seeding may occur. I think these types of plants are excellent for large pots. They can be the focal point in a container arrangement on a patio, for example, and be more manageable than if in a typical border. It is also easier to give them the moisture they prefer. Since this plant is hardy to zone 4, it's a good bet it will winter over in a large pot either outdoors or in an unheated space such as a garage or barn.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credit: Van Berkum Nursery; also Wikimedia Commons