Mountain fleece (Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Golden Arrow')

Overview

Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’, commonly known as Mountain fleece, is a striking herbaceous perennial valued for its vibrant, golden foliage that brightens shaded garden corners. This cultivar provides long-lasting visual interest, blooming profusely from early summer straight through autumn. Its upright structure and fine texture make it an excellent vertical accent in mixed plantings.

This variety of Mountain fleece is relatively compact, forming a dense leafy mound ideal for many landscape situations where consistent moisture is available. It thrives with minimal intervention, earning it a reputation as a low-maintenance superstar for gardeners seeking reliability and extended color. The cardinal red flowers of Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’ contrast beautifully with the warm golden leaves.

Gardeners appreciate Mountain fleece for its ability to handle wet conditions and provide coverage throughout the growing season. Whether used in a moisture-rich border or as a specimen in a cottage garden, Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’ provides excellent structure and continuous dark red floral display.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Polygonaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-3 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: June to October
• Bloom Description: Dark red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal performance, plant your Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’ in spring or early fall when soil temperatures are moderate. This plant prefers average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils, though it has a strong tolerance for wetter conditions, making it perfect for rain gardens. Ensure the site receives plenty of sun to maintain the best golden leaf color, but be prepared to offer some relief from intense afternoon sun in very hot summer climates.

Consistent moisture is key, especially when establishing the plant or during sunny, dry spells. While it tolerates wet soils, avoid locations where water pools for extended periods unless that is your specific intention (as in a bog garden). Fertilization is rarely required; good soil structure is more important than heavy feeding for this rugged perennial.

Maintenance for Mountain fleece is generally low. Deadheading is generally unnecessary as the spent flowers can look attractive, but you may choose to trim back overall foliage in late winter or very early spring to tidy the appearance. Be aware that in ideal conditions, plants of this species will slowly spread, and self-seeding may occur, so site your Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’ where it has room to expand naturally.

Landscape Uses

The moisture-loving nature of Mountain fleece makes it an excellent choice for rain gardens and the margins of ponds or bog gardens, where it thrives alongside moisture-loving companions. Beyond damp sites, its reliable summer performance lends itself well to traditional cottage garden borders or mass plantings in woodland edges where dappled shade prevails. Because Persicaria amplexicaulis forms substantial clumps, it functions beautifully as a medium-height specimen plant or repeated throughout a border for cohesive color.

When designing, consider pairing the bright, warm gold tones of ‘Golden Arrow’ with plants that offer deep jewel tones or cool blues and purples for dramatic contrast, such as dark-leaved Astilbe or deep purple Salvias. Its upright habit works well in the middle ground of borders, providing structure behind lower groundcovers but staying shorter than tall summer phlox or tall ornamental grasses. Utilizing this plant in groups or mass plantings offers the best visual impact for its consistent bloom period.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Persicaria amplexicaulis, commonly known as mountain fleece or red bistort, is an herbaceous perennial that typically grows in a dense leafy mound to 3-4’ (infrequently to 6’) tall and as wide. It is native to the Himalayas. Tiny, rose-red to white flowers bloom June to September (occasionally to first frost) on narrow, pencil-thin, long-stalked spikes (to 4” long). Opposite, ovate to lanceolate green leaves (to 6” long) are slightly puckered, acuminate (tapered to a sharp tip) and cordate-based with downy undersides. Leaves are distinctively stem-clasping (amplexicaul), with leaf stipules sheathing the stem, giving the stem a jointed appearance at each leaf node. Plants often form large clumps over time. Genus name comes from the Latin persica meaning peach-like and sagittata meaning barbed or arrow-shaped in reference to the shape of the leaves. Specific epithet means stem-clasping in reference to leaf attachment. ‘Golden Arrow’ is a compact cultivar that is grown for its golden foliage and cardinal red summer flowers. It typically forms a foliage mound to only 18-24” tall and as wide, featuring broad, lance-shaped, golden green leaves. Slender, erect spikes of tiny, dark red flowers appear in mid to late summer (sometimes to frost).

Tolerances

• Deer

Potential Problems

This species generally exhibits no serious insect or disease problems, making it highly reliable in the landscape. Gardeners should focus primarily on providing the appropriate moisture levels to ensure robust health rather than scouting for pests or common fungal issues. Avoid planting in areas with inadequate drainage, as perpetually soggy roots, combined with poor air circulation, can occasionally lead to crown rot, though this is rare when planted correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Mountain fleece suitable for?

Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’ performs reliably in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7.

How large does Mountain fleece grow?

This specific cultivar, Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’, typically reaches between 2 to 3 feet tall with a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet wide.

When does Mountain fleece bloom?

You can expect dark red flowers on Mountain fleece from June straight through October.

What sun exposure does Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’ need?

This plant prefers full sun to part shade; ensure it receives good moisture if placed in the sunniest spots.

Conclusion

The excellent reliability, extended bloom time, and unique golden foliage make Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’ a valuable asset for nearly any garden requiring medium to wet soil conditions. If you are looking to incorporate long-season color into damp areas, this Mountain fleece cultivar is an outstanding, low-maintenance choice. Confirm your region falls within USDA Zones 4-7 and plan your planting for spring for the best results next season.

Companion Planting

To maximize the aesthetic appeal of Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’, select companions that complement its preference for moist soil and its tall, airy flower spikes. Consider pairing it with plants that offer textural contrast, such as ferns with lacy fronds, or hostas with deep green or blue foliage to provide a serene backdrop to the golden leaves. Hydrangeas or Iris species that tolerate consistent moisture also make excellent neighbors near the pond margins or bog gardens where Mountain fleece naturally excels.

Wildlife Benefits

While the primary draw of Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Golden Arrow’ is ornamental, the slender spikes of tiny flowers provide nectar sources throughout the season, making them attractive to smaller beneficial insects, including native bees and certain butterflies. By flowering consistently from June to October, this plant helps bridge gaps in the summer and fall nectar supply. Its dense clumping habit also offers welcome low cover for ground-dwelling beneficial insects seeking refuge.