Dwarf fleeceflower
persicaria affinis
Also known as: ["Bistorta affinis","Polygonum affine"]
Overview
A low-growing, spreading perennial with attractive foliage and delicate pink flowers in summer.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Genus: | Persicaria |
| Botanical Name: | Persicaria affinis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border fronts, rock gardens, or ground cover
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to moderate-draining; avoid heavy clay soils unless amended.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with compost or aged manure.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an old plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with tolerance for partial shade; adjust for intense summer sun by providing afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; avoid sudden exposure to intense midday sun to prevent scorching; for indoor placement, use a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate pots for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow applications.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates temperatures from -30°F to 90°F; prefers cool nights and moderate days during active growth.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing near heat sources indoors; monitor soil temperature for root health.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; fertilize only when actively growing; use a balanced NPK ratio (e.g., 10-10-10).
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; division is the most reliable method for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Division: dig up clump, separate into sections with sharp knife, replant immediately.
- Cuttings: take 4–6 inch stem, remove lower leaves, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F) for cuttings; division requires normal garden conditions.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; for division, use garden soil with compost.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, mature plant in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or pruners, pots, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to the base or desired height; remove crossing or weak growth; deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged stems after flowering; thin out crowded clumps to improve air circulation; shape as needed to maintain desired form.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, gloves, clean cutting surface.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged stems; shape plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme weather.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; for division, replant divisions at the same depth they were growing.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and allow to drain.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; division is often preferred over repotting for ground-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply (6–8 inches); allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in extreme heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold; bud drop or failure to flower in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant or die back in severe cold; roots can freeze if drainage is poor; frost can damage tender new growth.
Solution: Apply a thick layer of mulch in fall to insulate roots; avoid overwatering in winter; in containers, move to a sheltered location or wrap pots with insulation.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or cessation of growth in excessive heat; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade or use shade cloth; increase watering frequency but ensure good drainage; mist foliage during extreme heat waves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth; discontinue in late summer to avoid tender growth before winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPersicaria affinis is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPersicaria affinis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPersicaria affinis is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Persicaria affinis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Q: Is Persicaria affinis toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much maintenance does Persicaria affinis require?
A: It requires very low maintenance once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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