Updated: April 25, 2024

Bistort, scientifically known as Persicaria bistorta, is a charming perennial plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With its unique spiraling pink or white flower spikes and attractive foliage, the bistort plant is a favorite among gardeners looking to create a beautiful landscape. If you are interested in adding this enchanting plant to your garden, you may be wondering where you can purchase a bistort plant. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to buy a bistort plant and provide tips on how to care for this lovely perennial.

Garden Centers and Nurseries

One of the most common places to purchase a bistort plant is your local garden center or nursery. These establishments often carry a wide variety of plants, including perennials like bistort. When visiting a garden center or nursery, look for healthy plants with well-established root systems and vibrant foliage. Ask the staff for advice on how to care for your bistort plant and ensure that it is suitable for your garden’s growing conditions.

Garden centers and nurseries may offer bistort plants in containers or as bare-root plants. Container-grown plants are typically easier to establish in your garden, as they have already developed a strong root system. On the other hand, bare-root plants are usually less expensive and can be planted directly in the ground during the appropriate season.

Online Plant Retailers

If you prefer the convenience of shopping from home, there are many online plant retailers that offer bistort plants for sale. Websites such as Etsy, Amazon, and specialized plant retailers like Plant Delights Nursery or Bluestone Perennials often carry a wide selection of perennial plants, including bistort.

When purchasing a bistort plant online, be sure to read the product descriptions carefully to ensure that you are getting a healthy plant from a reputable seller. Check the shipping policies and guarantees offered by the retailer to ensure that your plant will arrive in good condition. It is also important to consider the climate in your area when ordering plants online, as extreme temperatures during transit can stress the plant.

Botanical Gardens and Plant Sales

Botanical gardens and arboretums often host plant sales or offer plants for sale in their gift shops. Visiting a botanical garden or attending a plant sale event can be a great way to find unique varieties of bistort plants and other perennial species. Additionally, purchasing plants from botanical gardens supports their conservation efforts and helps fund educational programs.

When buying plants from botanical gardens or plant sales, take the time to explore the grounds and see how the plants are grown in their natural habitat. This can provide valuable insights into how to care for your new bistort plant once you bring it home.

Local Plant Exchanges and Garden Clubs

Another option for purchasing a bistort plant is through local plant exchanges or garden clubs. These community-based organizations often host events where members can swap plants or purchase them at discounted prices. Participating in a plant exchange or joining a garden club can be a fun way to connect with other gardening enthusiasts and expand your plant collection.

Caring for Your Bistort Plant

Once you have purchased your bistort plant, it is essential to provide proper care to help it thrive in your garden. Bistort plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. Water your bistort plant regularly, especially during hot weather or dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Deadhead the spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. In early spring, cut back any dead foliage from the previous year to allow new growth to emerge. Consider dividing mature clumps of bistort every few years to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.

With proper care and attention, your bistort plant will reward you with its graceful beauty year after year. Whether purchased from a garden center, online retailer, botanical garden, or local plant exchange, adding a bistort plant to your garden is sure to bring joy and delight to both you and your visitors.