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Persicaria speciosa – Red Bistort
Persicaria speciosa, or Red Bistort, is a striking, long-flowering perennial loved for its upright spikes of vivid crimson-red blooms that appear from midsummer well into autumn. Its bold color, strong vertical form, and lush green foliage make it an ideal choice for adding height, texture, and late-season interest to borders and naturalistic plantings.
Growing 3–4 feet tall and spreading 24–36 inches wide, Persicaria speciosa forms dense clumps of large, elongated leaves that provide an attractive backdrop for its slender, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. The blooms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, ensuring the garden stays lively right through to the first frosts.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this plant prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil but will tolerate a range of conditions once established. It’s an excellent choice for waterside planting, cottage gardens, and prairie-style schemes, where its long bloom period offers continuous color.
Cutting back spent flower stems in late autumn keeps plants tidy, and clumps can be divided in spring to rejuvenate growth.
Flowering Period
July: First tall red spikes emerge
July – October: Peak flowering, vibrant crimson towers above the foliage
Until frost: Color persists late into the season, foliage remains lush
With its rich color, architectural presence, and exceptional garden performance, Persicaria speciosa is a standout perennial that provides reliable impact from high summer to the very end of the season.
Persicaria speciosa – Red Bistort
Persicaria speciosa, or Red Bistort, is a striking, long-flowering perennial loved for its upright spikes of vivid crimson-red blooms that appear from midsummer well into autumn. Its bold color, strong vertical form, and lush green foliage make it an ideal choice for adding height, texture, and late-season interest to borders and naturalistic plantings.
Growing 3–4 feet tall and spreading 24–36 inches wide, Persicaria speciosa forms dense clumps of large, elongated leaves that provide an attractive backdrop for its slender, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. The blooms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, ensuring the garden stays lively right through to the first frosts.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this plant prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil but will tolerate a range of conditions once established. It’s an excellent choice for waterside planting, cottage gardens, and prairie-style schemes, where its long bloom period offers continuous color.
Cutting back spent flower stems in late autumn keeps plants tidy, and clumps can be divided in spring to rejuvenate growth.
Flowering Period
July: First tall red spikes emerge
July – October: Peak flowering, vibrant crimson towers above the foliage
Until frost: Color persists late into the season, foliage remains lush
With its rich color, architectural presence, and exceptional garden performance, Persicaria speciosa is a standout perennial that provides reliable impact from high summer to the very end of the season.