This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: any moist soil
• Rate of growth: fast
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Long, slender spikes clustered with tiny, fluffy, white 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 excellent groundcover in sun or partial shade. Plant it in bold swathes to add vertical interest in the border right through to 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 columps 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.