Persicaria 'Blackfield'

Dark, poised and rather dramatic, Persicaria 'Blackfield' brings a rich note of colour to the summer border without demanding centre stage. This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner forms a compact, clump-making perennial with handsome dark green leaves, creating a tidy base from which slender stems rise with quiet confidence. From near-black buds, the flowers open into velvety spikes of very dark red, giving red bistort a depth that feels both refined and wonderfully moody. Persicaria 'Blackfield' is especially effective woven through soft grasses, silver foliage or dusky dahlias, where its upright flower spikes add rhythm, contrast and a little botanical intrigue.

Despite its polished appearance, Persicaria 'Blackfield' is refreshingly easy to place, suiting sunny or lightly shaded borders with soil that does not dry out too fiercely. Its compact habit makes it useful in smaller gardens too, where every plant must earn its keep and preferably look good while doing so. The long flowering period brings months of colour, and the bees are often quicker than we are to appreciate its charms. Plant Persicaria 'Blackfield' in generous groups for a sophisticated wash of deep red, or let it punctuate mixed planting schemes. Elegant, dependable and just a touch brooding, Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Blackfield' is red bistort with real presence.