Bistorta vacciniifolia
Credits
Article from Bean's Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles
Recommended citation
'Bistorta vacciniifolia' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.
Synonyms
- Polygonum vacciniifolium Wall. ex Meisn.
Other taxa in genus
Editorial Note
Bean treated this species under Polygonum vacciniifolium.
Although usually classified in trade catalogues as an herbaceous plant, B. vacciniifolia is as much a shrub as many other borderline species included in this work and is usually classified as such by botanists. It forms a mat of slender, intertwining woody stems a few inches high, but is able to spread almost indefinitely by self-layering. Leaves deciduous, rich glossy green above, glaucous beneath, mostly elliptic, 1⁄2 to 7⁄8 in. long, acute at the apex, somewhat undulate; stipules deeply divided into narrow shreds. Flowers rosy pink, about 1⁄8 in. long, subtended by glistening, golden-brown acuminate bracts, borne August to October in slender terminal and axillary spikes up to 3 in. long. Stamens six to eight, with pinkish purple anthers. Styles free, slender. Bot. Mag., t. 4622.
Native of the Himalaya; introduced in 1845. It is perfectly hardy and flowers profusely in a sunny position, provided the soil is not too rich. An ideal carpeting plant for the large rock garden or the top of a dry wall, particularly lovely in autumn, when the older leaves turn bright red. Easily propagated by taking rooted pieces, or by cuttings. Award of Garden Merit 1955.