Persicaria amplexicaulis Blackfield (Mountain Fleece)

Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Blackfield’ is a clump-forming perennial noted for its intense blood-red flower spikes on display from mid-summer to mid-fall. Quite eye-catching, the brilliantly colored fluffy flowers open from almost black buds and attract beneficial insects. They are held on long, graceful wands atop a compact, bushy clump of oval to heart-shaped, dark green leaves. In the fall, the foliage turns buttery yellow tints, adding charm to the fall garden.

Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' is a clump-forming perennial noted for its intense blood-red flower spikes on display from mid-summer to mid-fall. Quite eye-catching, the brilliantly colored fluffy flowers open from almost black buds and attract beneficial insects. They are held on long, graceful wands atop a compact, bushy clump of oval to heart-shaped, dark green leaves. In the fall, the foliage turns buttery yellow tints, adding charm to the fall garden.

  • Typically forms a bushy, spreading clump up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm). Tough and robust and easy to grow, this border beauty is not aggressive or weedy.
  • Thrives in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun, however light shade will be appreciated in hot and humid summer areas.
  • Trouble-free and easy care, this is a welcomed addition to beds, and borders, where Persicaria amplexicaulis provides long summer to fall bloom in the perennial border. This is also an ideal candidate for bog gardens, along ponds and streams, or in naturalistic meadows. Excellent as a tall groundcover when planted en masse. Underplant it with spring blooming bulbs for color prior to the lush spring growth.
  • Attracts birds and butterflies, but deer and rabbits ignore it!
  • Shear plants in fall if desired to remove spent flowers.
  • All plant parts may cause skin irritation on contact and stomach upset if ingested. 

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Persicaria – Fleeceflowers
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 30″
– 36″
(75cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow