Persicaria amplexicaulis Black Dreams - Mountain Fleece

The Persicaria amplexicaulis Black Dreams is a recently selected variety of knotweed known for the beauty of its floral spikes, particularly abundant and beautifully coloured in a dark and rich red. This beautiful perennial offers a long flowering period that can be enjoyed throughout the summer, and even into the early autumn. It is very hardy and forms a vigorous clump, both tall and dense, remaining very green even when not in bloom. It is a robust plant that is not very demanding in terms of soil conditions, as long as it is rich and somewhat moist. You can plant it in full sun or partial shade in flower beds or near water sources.

The Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Black Dreams' is a plant from the Polygonaceae family. It is a perennial that usually loses its leaves in winter, depending on the climate, and quickly forms a clump that can reach a height of 1.30 m (4ft) when in flower (80 cm (32in) for the foliage). It spreads more or less slowly, depending on the soil fertility, and can form impressive clumps. This knotweed is very floriferous, producing numerous spikes measuring 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in length at the axil of the leaves located at the tips of the stems. The spikes are composed of small flowers that start off as a very dark red bud and become slightly more magenta as they bloom. The flowering period lasts from June to September, as long as the soil does not dry out too much. The leaves, carried by sturdy stems, are lanceolate to cordate in shape, measuring 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) in length. They clasp the stem at the base. They are a medium to dark green color, hairy on the underside, and sometimes turn red in autumn.

Very trendy, this beautiful Black Dreams knotweed fits perfectly in contemporary gardens as well as in more wild settings, creating stunning scenes from summer to autumn when combined with grasses. Thanks to its creeping habit, it can be used as a ground cover, as long as it is given enough space. This plant enjoys full sun but also partial shade. It thrives in rich and heavy, cool, or even very wet soils. It can be grown independently on sunny pond banks or in a fresh, semi-shaded understory at the base of trees. In this setting, it pairs well with bugbanes, giant hostas, or even Japanese anemones.