Persicaria amplexicaulis Pink Elephant - Mountain Fleece

The Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Pink Elephant' is a new, very floriferous variety that stands out above all for its small size and compact habit. A versatile perennial, it will gracefully border flower beds and pathways.

Called persicaria, knotweed or formerly Polygonum, the Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Pink Elephant' has Himalayan origins that give it incredible hardiness and easy cultivation. A very floriferous perennial, it produces numerous spikes of 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in length composed of small pink flowers from late June to November. The flowering is continuous throughout the summer, with stout and very dense flower stalks reaching 40cm (16in) in height.

The semi-evergreen, lanceolate (lance-shaped) leaves of the Polygonum amplexicaule measure 10-15 cm (4-6in) in length, and are medium green, turning reddish in autumn. Thanks to its spreading habit, the plant can be used as a ground cover.

The Persicaria 'Pink Elephant' grows in full sun but appreciates bright partial shade. It prefers rich and heavy soils, even very moist ones. It can be cultivated independently on sunny pond banks or in cool, partially shaded areas at the base of trees.

The Persicaria amplexicaulis is very trendy and fits well in contemporary gardens as well as in gardens with a wild look. It forms stunning autumn scenes with grasses such as miscanthus, molinias, and panicums.