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Description
Bistorta Affinis, commonly known as Himalayan bistort or Caucasian bistort, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to the Himalayas and Caucasus regions, and it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.The plant typically grows up to 60cm in height and spreads up to 60cm in width. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, with a green color and a glossy texture. The flowers are pink or white, and they bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Bistorta |
Appearance
Bistorta Affinis is a beautiful plant that can add color and texture to any garden. It has long, glossy, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 15cm in length. The leaves are green and have a slightly wavy edge.The flowers of Bistorta Affinis are pink or white and grow on long stalks that rise above the foliage. They bloom from late spring to early summer and attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Care Guide
Bistorta Affinis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most gardens. Here are some care tips to keep it healthy and thriving:- Water: Bistorta Affinis likes moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil damp. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize Bistorta Affinis in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.- Soil: Bistorta Affinis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.- Sunlight: Bistorta Affinis grows best in partial shade or full sun. In hot climates, it prefers partial shade to avoid leaf scorching.- Hardiness Zones: Bistorta Affinis is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bistorta Affinis is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by the following:- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves of Bistorta Affinis. Use slug bait or handpick the pests to keep them under control.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can affect the leaves of Bistorta Affinis. Remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Bistorta Affinis is native to the Himalayas and Caucasus regions, where it grows in moist, shady areas. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.Bistorta Affinis is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks around the world. It is a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and woodland gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bistorta Affinis a good plant for beginner gardeners?
A: Yes, Bistorta Affinis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most gardens.
Q: How often should I water Bistorta Affinis?
A: Bistorta Affinis likes moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil damp. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Bistorta Affinis?
A: Bistorta Affinis is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Q: Does Bistorta Affinis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the flowers of Bistorta Affinis attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Related Plants
– Bistorta Amplexicaulis- Bistorta Bistortoides- Bistorta Macrophylla- Bistorta Officinalis- Bistorta Vivipara
References
– “Bistorta affinis – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 17, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b774.- “Bistorta affinis.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 17, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1119/.- “Bistorta affinis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 17, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/3653/bistorta-affinis/details.
