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Amphibious Bistort | Persicaria amphibia

Amphibious Bistort | Persicaria amphibia

Native aquatic perennial with pink bottlebrush-like flowers; supports pollinators and thrives in various water conditions.

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SAVE £7.50 when you buy 1ltr - Pack of 3

Regular price £27.00
Regular price Sale price £27.00
Sale Back in 2025
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Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia) is a versatile native aquatic perennial, ideal for pond margins and the deeper parts of the pond. A true aquatic plant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to various water depths. From June to September, it produces pink, bottlebrush-like flowers that rise above the water, attracting bees and other pollinators. The glossy green, lance-shaped leaves can float on the water's surface or emerge above, providing habitat and shelter for aquatic wildlife, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

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Plant essentials

Key Characteristics:

  • Height 10cm to 30cm
  • Spread: 50cm to 100cm (Fast Growth)
  • Depth: 0cm to 80cm
  • Flower Colour: Pink
  • Growth Habit: Herbaceous perennial with floating or emergent leaves
  • Foliage: Deciduous; glossy green, lance-shaped leaves

Additional Information:

  • Common Name: Amphibious Bistort
  • Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
  • Soil: Moist to wet, suitable for pond margins and boggy areas
  • Flowering Period: June to September
  • Hardiness: Fully hardy in UK; tolerates temperatures below -20°C. (H7)
  • Normally Available From: April
  • UK Native 🇬🇧 | Pollinator Friendly 🐝

Your Plant At Arrival

Your marginal plant will arrive in a Finofil Aquatic Basket, pre-planted with aquatic soil and a slow-release fertiliser. Just pop straight into you pond upon arrival!

Aquatic Basket Measurements:

  • 1ltr - Square pot (11cm wide by 11cm high)
  • 3ltr - Hexagonal pot (18cm wide x 16cm high)
  • 5ltr - Square pot (24cm wide x 14cm high)
  • 9cm plants arrive in solid pots and will need repotting into aquatic baskets.

How to Grow

Growing Instructions: Place the plant on a marginal shelf at the recommended depth. Allow 5 x 1ltr plants per linear metre or 3 x 3ltr plants per linear metre.

Growing Tips: Grow as a marginal or as a deeper aquatic plant at depths up to 80cm. Flowers best in full sun. Lower young aquatic plants in stages, allowing them to grow at each stage until the leaves float on the surface of the water. Divide regularly to avoid congestion and maintain vigour.

Note: This plant may have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well.

Care & Maintenance

Pruning: No pruning required.

Pests/Diseases: Typically unaffected by common pests or diseases

Marginals - Good to Know

How Deep Should I Place My Marginals?

The planting depth depends on the variety. Check the product page or the care label included with your plant for specific guidance.

Depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water’s surface.

Most marginals are fine placed 1cm to 2cm under the waterline, just enough to hide the aquatic basket.

How Many Marginals Do I Need?

Measure the length of your marginal shelves and then allow:

  • 1ltr Plants: 5 per linear metre
  • 3ltr Plants: 3 per linear metre

Tip: Leave space between plant varieties to prevent dominant species from taking over. For more details, see our Planting Guide.

Do I Need to Line My Basket with Hessian?

No, Finofil aquatic baskets are designed with a fine mesh that prevents soil loss. Adding a liner is optional but not necessary.

What Are Finofil Baskets Made From?

Finofil aquatic baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic and manufactured in the UK. They can be recycled at local recycling centres or through kerbside collections that accept black plastic. Plant labels are also recyclable.

Will Carp or Ducks Eat My Plants?

Carp (inc. Koi): These fish find pond plants irresistible! If you have carp, we recommend protecting your plants with barriers.

Goldfish: Goldfish may nibble on oxygenators and softer plants but generally cause less damage. They also eat insects, larvae, and tadpoles.

Wildfowl: Ducks and other birds may eat plants or damage roots while nesting. Mature plants with strong root systems are more resilient, but consider protecting roots/rhizomes for added security.

Pre-Ordering, Shipping & Delivery

Pre-Order Information

What is a Pre-Order?
Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.

Benefits of Pre-Ordering:

  • Secure popular plants before they sell out.
  • Receive healthy, pond-ready plants straight from the grower.

Plant Availability:
Plants are released in phases:

  • Phase 1 (March–April): Ships by late April (e.g., Water Hawthorn, Marsh Marigold).
  • Phase 2 (May): Ships by late May (e.g., Loosestrife, Frogbit).
  • Phase 3 (June): Ships by late June (e.g., Pickerel Weed).

Note: Orders with pre-order and ready-to-ship plants will be shipped together. To avoid delays, place separate orders.

Read More about pre-orders


Shipping Prices

Plant Orders:

  • Standard Delivery: £5.00.
  • Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).

Highlands & Islands:

  • Small Orders (<1.8kg): £5.00.
  • Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.

Soil & Gravel:
Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.

Container Ponds:
Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.

Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland due to regulations.

Read More about delivery prices


Couriers & Delivery Schedule

Couriers Used:
Royal Mail, APC, Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).

Current Shipping Schedule:

  • Season: Autumn/Winter (October–February).
  • Dispatch Days: Weekly on Tuesdays.

Orders with pre-order plants will be held until all items are ready to ship.

If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk

Grown in the UK

Aquatic Plants

All our plants come from a UK family run aquatic nursery, established over 50 years ago.