Persicaria

(Persicaria)

DESCRIPTION: Persicaria is the botanical name for a group of often invasive perennials, annuals and climbers that are mainly grown for their handsome flowers, which are often in spikes. P. bistorta 'Superba' forms clumps, 24 to 30 inches high, of oval, mid-green leaves and triangular stem leaves. In the summer, dense, cylindrical spikes of tiny, pale pink flowers are borne atop thin stems. P. virginiana 'Painter's Palette' forms mounds of ornamental foliage up to 2 feet high and wide. The oval to elliptic, green leaves are banded with maroon-brown and mottled and striped with ivory-yellow with pink tints all over. The flowers of this plant rarely grow in cultivation. P. milletii has liner-lance-shaped to oblong, dark green leaves. Tiny, dark rose-crimson flowers are borne in compact, cylindrical spikes atop slim, but strong, stems, in summer and fall.

POTTING: These plants should be grown in cool, fertile, moist soil in sun or partial shade. These plants may crowd out other plants so take care when selecting a site. P. virginiana 'Painter's Palette' should be grown in a location with shelter from strong wind.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown, or they may be divided in the spring or fall.

VARIETIES: P. bistorta var. Superba; P. amplexicaulis var. Firetail; P. campanulata; P. macrophylla; P. virginiana var. Painter's Palette; P. milletii.

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