Persicaria amplexicaulis Rosea - Mountain Fleece

Rosea Stem-Clasping Persicaria , also known as knotweed, smartweed or Polygonum, is a floriferous perennial that produces numerous 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) spikes from July to October, adorned with pale pink bell-shaped flowers. The flowering is continuous throughout the summer. Thanks to its spreading habit, the plant is a good ground cover, spreading spontaneously.

The leaves of Polygonum amplexicaule are semi-evergreen. They measure 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) in length and are of medium green colour. As autumn arrives, the leaves turn red. The plant is native to the Himalayas and has excellent hardiness. It can reach a height of 1m (3ft) at maturity.

This Smartweed brings joy to bees and butterflies that come to feed on it. It can be found in the back corners of flower beds, where it fills the space without suffocating the surrounding plants. You can also place it in rock gardens, borders, and even in wet areas near lakes and ponds. It was formerly used as a culinary herb and in medicinal herb preparations.