Persicaria polymorpha

Common name: Great White Fleece Flower; Giant Fleece Flower

Ideal conditions: best in moist fertile soil; full or half day sun; with some protection from high wind; very drought tolerant once established

Ideas and companions:

• this highly ornamental plant can be used at the front door of a residence, where it can be viewed both from the inside and the outside.
• almost any of the true grasses will complement Persicaria, particularly the Miscanthus

Flowers: 150-200cm (5-7'); fleecy creamy white, profuse blooms; late May or early June through September

Coldest Zone: 3 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Season of interest: while blooming, fall colour and winter

When to divide: spring; include a piece of the stem when taking divisions

Notes: even with its thick roots (like branching carrots), polymorpha is not invasive. In wet climates, it may flop the first few seasons, but in time will be a sturdy and impressive plant measuring approximately 150 cm x 150 cm (5' x 5').

Muriel's notes: Jim gave me one in 2003. The first year it was a nice plant but the second year it was sensational! This plant started blooming when the irises were still in bloom and went on almost until frost. My garden was on the garden tour the next year and it and Elymus magellanicus were the plants most often asked about. It has no problem remained upright in my garden.

Another thing worth mentioning is that in 2004 it was very slow to poke its head out of the soil in the spring. I thought it had died. However, once it started to grow one had to get out of the way!

I see that in 2005 it is showing signs of life as early as any other plant.

Sizes available: gallon sized field clumps      

Canadian price list   ||   US price list