Red Bistort is a tall, robust, floriferous clumping perennial with stunning, carmine red to pink bottle-brush flower spikes on tall stems. Growing to 4 ft tall, it blooms from July to October. Has oval / heart-shaped green foliage that takes on yellow-orange hues in autumn. Although also known as Mountain Fleece and Ornamental Knotweed, Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Speciosa' is vigorous, but not invasive. It is not related to the invasive Japanese knotweed. Plant in sun, part shade, as a mixed hedge / screen, or as a foundation plant. Red Bistort mixes really well with other perennials due to the “see-through” arrangement of blooms. Pair with perennials like tall Rudbeckia and Joe Pye Weed for a great screen. Will also happily grow along water features. Dried flowers make wonderful winter arrangements. Easy to grow and low maintenance. Doesn't like very windy spots. Deer resistant. Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Speciosa' is known under various botanical names: Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Speciosa', Persicaria speciosa, and Polygonum amplexicaule var. speciosum.
