Plant profile - Bistorta amplexicaulis

At Beth's, we grow an excellent selection of Bistorta amplexicaulis (syn. Persicaria amplexicaulis), a species which thrives in full sun or part shade. Though each flower is small, they appear in abundant, long lasting spikes held above the foliage. Their prime flowering season runs from summer into autumn, making them a magnet for wildlife.

Wildlife credentials

These plants are among the most valuable for a wildlife friendly garden. They provide nectar and pollen over an extended period, attracting honeybees, social wasps, butterflies, and many other insects, especially in late summer and early autumn. Their leaves are also a food source for the caterpillars of several generalist moth species.

‘The persicarias are a versatile family, offering plants to suit almost every situation. Many provide flower from midsummer until autumn frosts. P. amplexicaulis…makes an impressively large plant, 4 feet (1-1.5,) tall and as much across. It is a wonderous sight increasing in size throughout the summer and autumn, covered with narrow tapers of tiny crimson flowers. There are several forms in pale pink, white and a bright red form called ‘Firetail’. Beth Chatto

Just some of our range:

Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Arends Stolz' - unusual vibrant salmon-red, pink (difficult to describe) flowers. Ex of Arends Staudengärtnerei, in Wuppertal, Germany. The Arends website translates the flower colour as dark red! Foliage retains excellent form through autumn. Height and spread: 1m x 40cm.

Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Arends Stolz'

Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Firetail' - bears long, tall spikes of flowers in profusion from June through to the end of September. Produces a more vivid tone of crimson than that of B. amplexicaulis 'Atrosanguinea'. Height and spread 1.2m x 12m.

Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Firetail'

Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Rowden Gem' - narrow spikes of many small flowers, a good lilac-pink colour, above the typical B. amplexicaulis leaves which coiur well in autumn. Height and spread 1m x 50cm.

Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Rowden Gem'

Bistorta amplexicaulis [Taurus] ('Blotau') - a new selection reputed to be of a less spreading habit and with a more compact nature, than other forms. Same long flowering season. Best in sun or shade and remarkably drought tolerant. Height and spread 1m x 60cm.

Bistorta amplexicaulis [Taurus] ('Blotau')

Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Rubie's Pink' - a stronger brighter pink that P. amplexicaulis 'Rosea'. Found in the garden here many years ago and offered now for sale. Height and spread 1.2m x 60cm.