How to plant Persicaria

Persicaria are hardy to -20C, which means you can plant them directly outside in pots or borders in spring and there is no need to protect them from frost.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting.

— Plant directly into a prepared and dug-over space in a border in spring. Alternatively, to avoid disturbance, you can pot them up into temporary pots to grow on for a few months first to plant out later in the season.

— Plant the roots so that they are fully submerged with the crown or buds just below the surface and any top growth or leaves exposed.

— Plant in borders with free-draining soil or containers in full sun or partial shade.

— If planting in containers, use multipurpose or soil-based compost.

— Space the plants 15-25cm apart

— Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth in the first season. Once established, they will only need watering when the soil is very dry.

— Cut back flower stems to 3cm above ground level in autumn.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root perennials

Planting instructions