Bistorta vacciniifolia

This plant leafs very late in spring when its mats of russet-brown stems push out tiny shining green leaves. By late September it is smothered with spikes of tiny pink flowers. Over winter, the leaves disappear, leaving the bare brown stems draped over any surface, whether its paving, steps, or edge of the border. Exquisite. Synonym Persicaria vacciniifolia.