PERSICARIA BISTORTA SUPERBA

I have always admired this flower growing in bog gardens, but have struggled to get it established in mine, mainly because where it is planted is rather dry, but also because I have pulled it up a couple of times, thinking it was dock!. This year, however, it has begun to flower profusely.

The name 'Bistorta' doesn't appear to suit such a pretty flower, but apparently it refers to the twisted root, which used to be used to make a bitter sweet during Lent. It has some lovely common names, including Adderwort, Dragonwort, Easter giant, Easter ledger, Easter ledges, Easter magiant, Easter man-giant, Gentle dock, Great bistort, Osterick, Oysterloit, Passion dock, Patience dock (this name is also used for Rumex patientia), Patient dock, Pink pokers, Pudding grass, Pudding dock, Red legs, Snakeweed, Twice-writhen, Water ledges. I think Pink Pokers is my favourite.

THREE THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR;

Time in the garden bteween showers
Getting a lot of silly little jobs done
Having time to read, for a change