Persicaria affinis Superba (Lesser Knotweed)

Vigorous, Persicaria affinis ‘Superba’ (Lesser Knotweed) is a mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial boasting charming spikes, 3 in. long (8 cm), densely packed with tiny, pale pink flowers that deepen to crimson as they mature.

Vigorous, Persicaria affinis 'Superba' (Lesser Knotweed) is a mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial boasting charming spikes, 3 in. long (8 cm), densely packed with tiny, pale pink flowers that deepen to crimson as they mature. Blooming for weeks from midsummer into fall, the blossoms are borne above the foliage mat of elliptic to lance-shaped, deep green leaves which turn bronzy-red in the fall. This dwarf variety makes a wonderful ground cover for the garden.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm) or more. This plant is not as invasive as many of the other species and may be controlled with selective pruning.
  • Full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Best flower production in full sun. While drought tolerant, this plant prefers moist, fertile soils that do not dry out.
  • This plant is very versatile and can be used as a groundcover or as an edging specimen, mixed with other spring flowering bulbs and other perennials in partially shaded beds, borders, in cottage gardens or city gardens. Provides stability to banks and carpets stones in a rock garden.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by division in spring or autumn.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Persicaria – Fleeceflowers
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden