Persicaria amplexicaulis Golden Arrow - Mountain Fleece

The Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Golden Arrow' is distinguished from other perennial knotweeds by its abundant foliage with an unusual colour, a very bright chartreuse yellow, decorative even outside of flowering. This almost golden foliage perfectly highlights thin spikes of deep red that bloom continuously from mid-summer until late in the season. It is a robust plant, not very demanding in terms of soil nature, as long as it is fertile, to be placed preferably in partial shade to preserve its foliage from direct sun.

The Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Golden Arrow' is a plant in the family polygonaceae. It is a deciduous perennial, very hardy, which forms a vigorous clump of 60 cm (24in) high. This plant spreads more or less slowly, depending on the richness of the soil, and can form imposing clumps. Very floriferous, this knotweed produces at the axil of the leaves, located at the end of the stems, many spikes measuring 7 to 12 cm (3 to 5in) long composed of small flowers that are red garnet in buds and become redder, more violet when they bloom. The flowering period lasts about 4 months, from June-July to September, if the soil does not dry out too much. The leaves, carried by sturdy stems, are lanceolate to cordate, shaped like an ace of spades and hairy on the underside, measuring 25 cm (10in) long. The almost yellowish green colour turns red in autumn.

Like astrantias, knotweeds are very popular plants, due to their good adaptation to cold and humid climates and their clean appearance that suits both contemporary gardens and country and romantic flowerbeds. They form beautiful autumn scenes with grasses such as Miscanthus and Panicum. Thanks to its spreading habit and very bright foliage, Polygonum 'Golden Arrow' can be used as ground cover in a partially shaded area, making sure to leave enough space for it. This knotweed appreciates rich and heavy, even very wet soils and can be grown independently on sunny pond banks, along a sunken path, or in a cool and partially shaded understory at the base of trees. Asters, Japanese anemones, and inulas are good companions for Persicaria, in the garden or in bouquets, as they also flower until autumn.