The mountain fleece plant is also known
as persicaria, bistort or knotweed, this plant is a hardy, upright perennial
that produces narrow, bottle brush-like flowers of pink, purple, red or white
that last throughout summer and into early fall. Continue reading to learn how to
grow mountain fleece plant in your own garden.
Information about Mountain Fleece Plant
The Mountain fleece plant is native
to the Himalayas, the plant tolerates winters as far north as USDA plant
hardiness zone four. Keep in mind that mountain fleece plant doesn’t do well
above zone eight or nine. At maturity, mountain fleece plant reaches a height
of about three to four feet, with a similar spread. The Mountain fleece plant is
a real charmer in flower beds or borders, or alongside a stream or pond. If you
actually have a rock garden, prairie-style landscape or garden meadow, the mountain
fleece plant will provide low-maintenance, long-lasting beauty. You might like
to know that while butterflies, bees and birds love the showy flowers, the
plant usually isn’t bothered by deer.
How to Grow Mountain Fleece Plant
If you don’t find mountain fleece
plants at your neighborhood garden center you can look for nurseries that
specialize in wildflowers. Once the plant is established, it’s very easy to
divide in spring or fall. This plant actually performs best in moist,
well-drained soil. While mountain fleece plants love sunlight, it will also
tolerate some light shade, which is actually beneficial in hot climates.
Although the mountain fleece plant generally is well-behaved, the plant grows
via underground stolons and can be rambunctious. Make sure you give the mountain
fleece a little room to spread.
Mountain Fleece Plant Care
Mountain Fleece Plant care is
relatively simple, but here are some of the few tips that may help:
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When it comes to growing mountain fleece plant,
the most vital thing is moisture, most especially for the plants that is located
in full sunlight. Water the plant as needed and don’t also allow the soil to
become bone dry.
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A few inches of mulch or compost can
really help to keep the soil cool and moist. Similarly, several inches of
mulch, pine needles or dry, chopped leaves are a good idea if winters are
harsh.
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Make sure you watch for aphids, which
are very easy to control with insecticidal soap spray. Don’t ever spray when
the sun is directly on the leaves, or if you notice bees are present. Japanese
beetles can turn the foliage into swiss cheese very quickly. This is an
excellent reason to encourage birds to visit your garden. Otherwise, the most
effective means of control is hand-picking. Insecticidal soap spray combined
with vegetable oil may help. To actually control slugs and snails, you can limit
mulch to three inches or less, and also keep your garden free of debris and
other hiding places.
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