This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: any moist soil
• Rate of growth: fast
• Flowering period: June to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy



Long, slender spikes clustered with tiny, fluffy, crimson-red flowers rise from mid summer to early autumn above semi-evergreen, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. This clump-forming, vigorous perennial has handsome foliage and quickly makes dense groundcover in sun or partial shade. Plant 'Firetail' in bold swathes to add vertical interest in the border right through till mid autumn and give it plenty of space. Persicaria does not like dry soil, so performs best in a bog garden or beside a pond. Bees and other insects love it too!



• Garden care:
  Incorporate a generous amount of composted organic matter or well-rotted manure into the backfill during planting. Once established, lift and divide congested clumps in spring or autumn. Cut back after it has finished flowering, or wait until late winter or early spring. Apply a mulch of composted organic matter every year.