1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family: Polygonaceae
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: Bright red, bottlebrush-like flowers
Foliage color: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves with a slightly reddish tint
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth; may need to be divided every 2 to 3 years
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Perennials

Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail'

Firetail Mountain Fleece

Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' is a perennial known for its long-lasting, dense clusters of bright red, tubular flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. These flowers are borne on tall, slender stems and provide a vibrant contrast to the plant's rich green foliage. As the blooms age, they often transition to a soft pink, adding an interesting dimension to the plant's appearance.

Native to parts of Asia, this variety of Persicaria is a robust and versatile plant, ideal for borders, water gardens, or as a backdrop in perennial beds.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Summer to fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts

Design tip

Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.