Flower Library
Persicaria
Persicaria amplexicaulis · Knöterichgewächse (Polygonaceae)
Persicaria is a wonderfully easy-going summer and autumn flower, its slim, candle-shaped spikes lending lightness and texture to any bouquet. We love it as a natural counterpoint to classic blooms, and cut young in top A1 quality it lasts far longer than you would expect. Its palette from soft pink to glowing red makes it a true all-rounder for meadow-style summer arrangements.
- Season
- July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Persicaria amplexicaulis
- Colors
- Pink, Red, Rose, White, Purple
Botanically, garden persicaria derives mainly from Persicaria amplexicaulis, the mountain fleece. Well-known cultivars differ chiefly in flower colour: 'Firetail' with its luminous red spikes is a classic, 'Taurus' offers a deep crimson, 'Rosea' a soft pink and 'Alba' pure white spikes. This range is exactly what makes persicaria so versatile in floristry.
In floristry we value persicaria as a structural flower and characterful filler. Its upright, slender spikes add vertical lines and a loose, meadow-like feel to bouquets and arrangements. Especially in natural, unforced styles it sets accents without overwhelming other blooms, providing the small movements that make a bouquet feel alive.
Quality comes down to the right cutting moment: cut young, before the spikes turn too fluffy and start shedding petals, the stems stay sturdy and long-lasting. At the Veiling Rhein-Maas we deliberately select stock that is not yet past its peak, so you get persicaria's characteristic long vase life in full rather than petal confetti on the table by day three.
Persicaria combines beautifully in many ways. With dahlias, zinnias, cosmos and grasses it creates a classic late-summer bouquet, while alongside hydrangeas and roses it adds a loosening, natural note. If you like dried material, the firm spikes can also be dried and worked into autumnal arrangements, where they hold their shape for a long time.
Care
- 01Cut the stems fresh at an angle and place them straight into lukewarm, clean water.
- 02Remove any leaves below the waterline so the water does not start to rot.
- 03Position in a bright spot out of direct sun and keep away from fruit bowls and heat sources.
- 04Change the vase water every two to three days and trim the stem ends each time.
- 05Use flower food and gently pick out spent or fluffy spikes to avoid petal drop.
Frequently asked
- How long does persicaria last in the vase?
- Cut young and well cared for, persicaria usually lasts seven to twelve days. The cutting moment is key: if the spikes are not yet past their peak, the stems stay firm. Our stems come in A1 quality straight from the Veiling Rhein-Maas, which is why the vase life often exceeds the usual industry figures.
- Is persicaria toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- Persicaria amplexicaulis appears on no common list of poisonous plants and is regarded as largely harmless to pets. The plant sap can, however, mildly irritate sensitive skin, and larger ingested amounts may upset the stomach and gut. So keep pets and children from nibbling on it, and do not let anyone drink the vase water.
- When is persicaria in season?
- Persicaria flowers from high summer into autumn, roughly from July to October. During this period it is especially beautiful and freshly available at the auction and fits perfectly into summer and autumn bouquets.
- What does persicaria combine well with?
- Persicaria harmonises wonderfully with dahlias, zinnias, cosmos and ornamental grasses for a relaxed late-summer bouquet. Alongside hydrangeas and roses it adds a natural, loosening note. Dried, it also works nicely in autumnal arrangements.