Description of Persicaria amphibia (Amphibious Bistort)

Persicaria amphibia is amphibious bistort. You may also see it listed under the older name Polygonum amphibium. It’s a flexible plant that grows in wet mud or shallow water and links bog to pond nicely.

Appearance

Leaves are oval and mid-green, and stems can creep to form mats. In summer it produces pink flower spikes held above the foliage. In deeper water it can behave more like a floating plant, while in mud it stays more upright.

Care Guide

It’s easy when the soil stays wet. If it dries out, it stalls.

• Sun: Sun to part shade.
• Soil: Mud, heavy wet soil, or aquatic compost.
• Water: Boggy ground to shallow water.
• Control: Trim edges or lift sections if it spreads into paths.
• Tidy up: Late winter tidy keeps it looking clean.

To keep it contained, grow it in a basket and let it trail over the edge.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This is great for natural-style bog gardens and wildlife ponds where you want coverage and a bit of movement. It shades bare mud and gives insects places to perch.

It can smother tiny marginals, so give it room or keep it in a container in smaller setups.

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