Question: I have a problem with a plant that collapses every year at the slightest gust of wind or rain: my beautiful giant fleeceflower (Persicaria polymorpha). Is my soil too wet? Even with stakes, I really can’t manage to keep it standing!
France Doucet
Answer: I know this is going to sound weird, but… would it be possible to move your plant to a windier spot? When this plant is constantly moved by gusts of wind since it starts to sprout in the spring, it produces stronger stems. When it is protected from the wind, like with a hedge, a wall or a fence, it produces taller but weaker stems. When a gust of wind suddenly comes barreling through, the weak stems can’t handle it and down they go! Expose it to more wind from the start and your giant fleeceflower will keep on standing tall.
And your soil moist is not a factor as this perennial tolerates both moist soil and dry soils.
Just to let you know I grow, Giant Fleece Flower in zone 2b on the Saskatchewan Praires, without any extra cover in Winter.
It is 4 years old and reaches 6 ft this year,I am so pleased with it as it is my most expensive plant!
Hope this helps someone.
Best wishes.
Thank you! I’ll help spread the word!
Thanks for this post as I am in southern Manitoba and have 2 of these which were planted last summer.