How to Plant and Grow Fleece Flower

It's not hard to figure out where fleece flower got its name. In late summer, this fast-growing plant, which comprises both annuals and perennials in the Persicaria genus, produces large spikes of beautiful, fluffy flowers in pink, red, or white. The foliage features lance-shaped leaves that are often attractively variegated. Succulent stems with conspicuous knots at the node give this plant its other common name, knotweed.

Fleece flower is often one of the last plants to emerge in spring. Give it plenty of time to pop out of the ground before determining whether it made it through the winter. As soon as the green shoots emerge, fleece flower will take off. Taller plants may need to be staked for support.

Where to Plant Fleece Flower

Almost any location in full sun is game for fleece flower, as it adapts well to different soil types with mildly acidic, neutral or mildly alkaline soil. Locations where the soil is naturally moist, such as a pondside or any other waterside location are ideal.

The best place to plant fleece flower depends on the variety. Tall varieties are great for the back of a border. Medium-height plants, which suit the middle of a border, look especially striking in a casual cottage garden. Mat-forming groundcover species of fleece flower are well-suited to rock gardens or for planting between stepping stones on a walkway.

Plant fleece flower as a specimen or in groups in naturalized areas where the spreading habit of plants is not an issue. The relatively coarse texture of the leaves forms an attractive contrast against garden plants with finer foliage.

How and When to Plant Fleece Flower

Plant fleece fllower in the spring. Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the pot and about the same depth. Place the plant in the pot and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball. Gently tamp down the soil and water it well. Keep the soil evenly moist for a few weeks until the plant is established.

Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on the variety. Low-growing varieties for groundcover borders can be planted closer together.

Mulch around the plants to preserve soil moisture.

Fleece Flower Care Tips

Fleece flower requires only basic maintenance.

Light

Fleece flower grows in partial shade and full sun but thrives in full sun.

Soil and Water

In terms of soil, it is quite adaptable to any type of soil type and pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Fleece flower grows in average to wet soil conditions. It thrives in moist conditions but once established, also tolerates some drought.

Temperature and Humidity

These are rugged plant that withstand both cold winters and hot and humid summers. Some varieties boast foliage that takes on intense hues in extreme heat or cold. Fleece flower is tolerant of urban pollution.

Fertilizer

Fleece flower is a vigorously growing plant that usually does not need any fertilizer. If the soil is poor, scatter a 2-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant in the spring as the new growth starts.

Pruning

In the fall after the foliage had died back, or in the spring before new growth starts, cut but back the old stems. Be careful not to injure the crown when pruning.

Potting and Repotting Fleece Flower

For pots and containers, select a low-growing, spreading variety such as ‘Red Dragon’ rather than a tall, towering fleece flower. Either plant it alone in a pot at least 8 inches in diameter or, together with other plants in a larger planter, plant it near the edge so it can spill over the pot. Use well-draining potting mix and make sure the pot has large drainage holes.

Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in garden soil. Although fleece flower is winter-hardy to Zone 4, potted plants need winterization because in cold climates, the roots are not sufficiently insulated against the cold. Sink the pot into the ground in the fall or create a planting silo by placing the pot in a larger pot and filling the space with mulch or sand.

Repotting should be done when the plant outgrows its pot or when the center dies out.

Transplant it to a larger pot, or divide it and replant a section of it in a pot of the same size with fresh potting soil.

Pests and Problems

Fleece flower is unaffected by major pests or diseases. The most commonly occurring pests are aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs, and snails. The plant is deer-tolerant.

How to Propagate Fleece Flower

The best way to propagate most fleece flower varieties is by dividing an existing plant, which is recommended every 3 to 5 years as the center dies out over time. In the spring, just before new growth starts, dig out the clump, cut it into smaller sections with a spade or a sharp knife, and replant it at the same depth as the original plant. Keep it watered until you see new growth.

Native fleece flower species (Persicaria virginiana, P. pensylvanica, P. amphibia, P. punctata) are started from seed. The seeds need 60 days of cold moist stratification before planting them in pots or garden soil in the early spring.

Types of Fleece Flower

Giant Fleece Flower 

Persicaria polymorpha is also known as the great white fleece flower. It is exceptionally showy, growing 4 to 5 feet tall, and topped with massive, white, fluffy flower clusters for 8 weeks or more in midsummer. Giant fleece flower adds vertical interest to the back of a border. It also makes a great focal-point plant. Zone 4-9 

Woodland Knotweed

This species is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States. The 2-foot stem of Persicaria virginiana emerges from a cluster of flowers at the base of the plant, with alternating white flowers along the stem. Zone 4-8 

Mountain Fleece

Also known as red bistort, Persicaria amplexicaulis is native to the Himalayas. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, bearing tiny flowers on narrow, pencil-thin long stalks. The bloom period starts in September and stretches into the late summer or fall, sometimes even until the first frost. You will most likely find it offered as cultivars. Varieties with flowers in different shades of red include ‘Firetail’, ‘Blackfield', ‘Fat Domino', and ‘Summer Dance’. ‘Golden Arrow’ is a compact cultivar with golden foliage and cardinal-red flowers and ‘Alba’ has white flowers. Zone 4-7 or 4-9 depending on the cultivar 

Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' 

Persicaria bistorta, commonly known as bistort, is native to Europe and western Asia. The cultivar ‘Superba’has pink-lavender bottlebrush-like flowers in early to mid-summer and rich red fall foliage. Zone 3-7 

Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’

If you have any concerns of fleece flower being invasive, consider this cultivar. It was bred to be sterile so it won’t reseed. However, it also does spread aggressively via its stolons like the species so it's best to place it where you can keep it contained. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide and bears white flowers in the summer. Zone 6-8

Fleece Flower Companion Plants

Joe Pye Weed

Reaching up to 8 feet in height, Joe Pye weed makes a good companion plant for tall fleece flower varieties. The plants share a preference for consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Hundreds of tiny thread-like petals on the giant stalks of Joe Pye weed create clouds of blooms in late summer and persist into fall. These blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators. Once the flowers begin to fade, the seeds will ripen and puff up to add more late-season interest. Zones 3-10

Goldenrod

Several types of goldenrod (Solidago spp.) are native to North America, and are powerhouses of late summer and fall color. They can get 4-5 feet tall, so give these perennials plenty of room. The golden flowers attract a myriad of pollinators (and contrary to popular belief, are not the cause of pollen allergies while in bloom). Zones 3-9

Threadleaf Bluestar

With its fine green foliage, threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) stands out against fleece flowers as a backdrop. This native perennial boasts clusters of pale blue star-shaped flowers in spring, fine green foliage through summer, and brilliant yellow-gold fall color. Indigenous to Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma where it grows in meadows, this bluestar also attracts pollinators and offers the desirable features of deer resistance and low maintenance. Zones 5-9

Garden Plans for Fleece Flower

Island Flower Bed

To break up the monotony of a large lawn, try this island bed garden plan that's easy to care for and designed to look beautiful, no matter from where it's viewed. A small ornamental plum tree anchors the planting, producing stunning pinkish-white double blossoms in spring, as well as pretty fall foliage. A small ornamental plum tree anchors the planting and erennials and groundcovers add seasonal splashes of color, 

Partial Shade Garden Plan

Though they may not bloom as profusely as they would in full sun, many sun-loving plants will still do well if they are shaded during a part of the day. This garden plan for partial shade uses a mix of these types of plants that can brighten areas under trees and along paths with their colorful flowers and foliage. The design features easy-care, summer-blooming perennials such as daylilies, phlox, and hostas. To keep the color show going all season long, an array of annuals such as coleus and petunias fills in the front of this beautiful border.