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Giant fleeceflower

Persicaria polymorpha

per-sih-KAR-ee-ah pol-ee-MOR-fah Audio

This massive herbaceous shrub needs a lot of room to show off its vase-shaped form, but it does not spread or self-sow like some of its relatives. It blooms close to the ground from June and continues throughout the summer atop 6-foot-tall stems. The large, white, astilbe-like blossoms fade to pink and then reddish-brown as the season comes to a close.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsPersicarias are rhizomatous or stoloniferous plants that are spreading and sometimes invasive. They have fleshy stems and conspicuously veined leaves, some of which exhibit autumn color. Many are suitable in a mixed container or border, others are naturalized in a woodland or meadow. All plant parts may cause skin irritation on contact and stomach upset if ingested. 

CarePrefers moist soil but can tolerate some shade and dry conditions.

PropagationDivide in spring or fall. Sow seed in spring in a cold frame.

ProblemsAphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, snails

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  • Genus : Persicaria
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Moisture : Adaptable
  • Growth Rate : Fast
  • Tolerance : Frost Tolerant
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Characteristics : Showy Seed Heads
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Flower Color : White

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