Persicaria — 8 species

Persicaria is a genus of robust, clump-forming perennials known for their long flowering season and adaptability. Cultivars such as Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Alba' and 'Blackfield', P. bistorta 'Superba', and P. orientalis bear dense, bottlebrush flower spikes in shades of red, pink, and white from midsummer well into autumn. They perform best in full sun to partial shade and require consistently moist, humus-rich soil — they excel beside ponds or in bog gardens. All Persicaria species are toxic to cats and dogs and should be planted away from areas where pets roam.