Description of Persicaria bistorta (Common Bistort)

Persicaria bistorta is common bistort, also known as adderwort. It’s a clump-forming perennial for damp soils with pink flower spikes in early summer. It’s a good bog-edge plant that looks natural and does not need much fuss.

Appearance

It makes broad green leaves and sends up upright spikes of soft pink flowers, often from late spring into summer. Height is usually 60 to 90cm depending on moisture and feeding.

Care Guide

It likes moist soil but it does not need standing water. Think bog edge rather than pond shelf.

• Sun: Sun to part shade.
• Soil: Moist, fertile soil with organic matter.
• Water: Keep damp, especially in late spring and summer.
• Cut back: Deadhead for tidiness, or cut stems down after flowering.
• Division: Divide in spring or autumn if the clump gets too big.

In dry spells, a deep soak keeps leaves looking fresh and stops flowering stems from shortening.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This is great for bog gardens that have a damp, slightly raised area. Plant it behind low ground covers, or mix it with rushes for a meadow feel.

It also works along streams and overflow channels where water moves through but does not sit deep.

FAQ