Great Plant Pick: Persicaria amplexicaulis “Taurus,” mountain fleece

Published 1:30 am Saturday, July 27, 2019

What: Persicaria amplexicaulis “Taurus” was selected for its intense crimson-red flower spikes that flower from mid-summer to mid-autumn, longer than most forms. In full sun, the richly colored flowers do not fade. Mountain fleece also grows more compact, only reaching about 3 feet tall. In fall, as the flowers begin to fade, the foliage develops lovely red and orange tints, adding interest to the fall garden. “Taurus” is very easy to grow and is not aggressive or weedy.

Where: Mountain fleece grows best in full sun to light or open shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, from sand to clay, and it will tolerate wet locations.

Size: “Taurus” bistort is a mounding perennial that gross to be 3 feet tall with a 5-foot spread.

Care: Water at least once a week during the summer, but if grown in well-drained or sandy soils it will need more frequent watering, perhaps two to three times a week during dry weather. In fall once the flowers and foliage have faded it can be cut to the ground.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Pick