Lesser Knotweed 'Donald Lowndes'

Persicaria affinis 'Donald Lowndes' is a robust and dependable semi-evergreen perennial that forms dense, weed-suppressing mats of narrow, leathery green leaves. This cultivar is particularly prized for its compact habit and prolific flowering. From midsummer through to late autumn, it produces upright, poker-like flower spikes that undergo a beautiful colour transformation, opening as a pale pink and deepening to a rich rose-red as they mature. At its peak, the plant displays multiple shades simultaneously, creating a vibrant tapestry. In winter, the foliage turns a warm russet-brown, providing continued coverage and interest through the colder months. Perfectly suited for the front of a border, rock garden, or for stabilising banks, it is an easy-to-grow plant that is fully hardy (H7) in the UK. It performs best in moist but well-drained soil and will tolerate a wide range of conditions, though flowers are most abundant in a sunny spot.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.